HERONS. 



365 



the confines of Asia and Eastern Europe, and regularly visits the 

 South of France. 



These two species are adorned, during the breeding season, 

 with fine and silky feathers, which spring from the shoulders, and, 



Fig. 141. Common Herons (Ardea cinerea, Temm.). 



spreading out over the back, fall on each side of the tail in 

 elegant plumes. These are the feathers with which European 

 ladies are so fond of adorning themselves, and from them the 

 birds have derived their name. 



Northern Africa presents us with a beautiful White Heron, 

 about the size of a Pigeon, the functions of which are extremely 

 interesting; it is called the Ox-keeper. In Morocco this bird is 

 very common. It is in the habit of accompanying the oxen 

 into the fields, and takes the task of relieving the latter from 

 the numerous flies and insects with which they are annoyed. In 

 France it is met with only at the mouth of the Rhone. 



