GEEAT WHITE HERON. 



GREAT WHITE EGRET. GREAT EGRET. 



PLATE CLIX. FIG. II. 



Ardea alba, PENNANT. 



Ardea egretta, . FLEMING. TEMMINCK. 



Ardea Candida, BBISSON. 



Ardea alba major, BAT. 



Ardea Egretioides, GMELLN. 



THE nest of this species, a very loose structure, built of sticks, reeds, 

 flags, and rushes, and lined with dry grass or leaves, is placed generally 

 on the ground, but sometimes on low trees, almost always, according 

 to Audubon, 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 main land. 



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 in number, and of a pale bluish green colour. 



