NIGHT HERON 



PLATE CLX. FIGURE III. 



Nycticorax griseus, .... GRAY. DRESSER. 

 Ardea nycticorax, .... LINNJEUS. 

 Ardea gardeni, GMELIN. 



THESE birds form heronries, on the trees of retired 

 and secluded swamps. Their nests are formed in low 

 bushes, or in middle-sized or tall trees, as seems most 

 convenient or secure. In some situations they are placed 

 within a few yards of the ground, others at an elevation of 

 not much more than twenty feet ; and again in tall cypresses. 

 The nest is fabricated of sticks, and is large in size and 

 flat in shape; it is lined with reeds, rushes, grass, and 

 leaves. 



The eggs are three to five in number, and of a pale 

 greenish-blue colour. 



