GREAT \\HITE HERON. 



GREAT WHITE HERON. 



GREAT \VIiriE EC.RET. GREAT EGRET. 

 1'l.ATE CUX. FIGURE II. 



Ardea alba, PENNANT. 



Ardea egnit,i. FLEMING. TF.MMINCK. 



Ardt-a Candida. BRISSON. 



Ardea alba major, KAY. 



Ardea Egret '/aides, (htELiN. 



rTlHE nest of this species, a very loose structure, 

 J- 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. 



