GREAT WHITE HERON 



GREAT WHITE EGRET GREAT EGRET. 



PLATE CLIX. FIGURE II. 



Ardea alba, .... LINNAEUS. 



Ardea egretta, .... FLEMING. TEMMINCK. 



Ardea Candida, .... BRISSON. 



Ardea alba major, . . . RAY. 



Ardea egrettoides, . . . GMELIN. 



THE nest of this species, which is of accidental occur- 

 rence in Great Britain, is a very loose structure, built of 

 sticks, reeds, flags, and rushes, and lined with dry grass and 

 leaves ; it is placed generally on the ground, but sometimes 

 on low trees overhanging the water, and many being placed 

 in contiguity, as in the case of the common species. The 

 same situation is resorted to, and the old nest repaired year 

 after year, by the same pair. Low marshy places, covered 

 with trees, by the side of ponds, lakes, and swamps, are 

 those appropriated to nidification, and sometimes flat islands 

 at a distance from the mainland. 



The male bird feeds the female while she is engaged 

 in sitting; and when the young are hatched both parents 

 unite in supplying their wants. 



The eggs are three or four in number, and of a pale 

 bluish green colour. 



