BIRDS. 



279 



FIG. 222. 



on which it feeds. 

 Usually the toes are 

 very long, and partially 

 joined by a membrane, 

 so that the weight of the 

 bird can be supported 

 by soft and muddy bot- 

 toms. There are a 

 number of species of 

 heron, distinguished 

 principally by their size 

 and color. Their long 

 bill opens almost up to 



the eyes, is Sometimes BOAT-BILL (Cancrvma cochlearia). 



serrated, and is used for 



catching the fish and frogs which form their habitual 



FIG. 223. 



CRANE (Qrus cinerea). 



food. When, however, the fishing is poor, the heron eats 

 worms, mollusks, and reptiles. The ibis and stork were 



