1908] BIBDS. 11 



"crane' 7 . A stately bird, and one that always excites curiosity and 

 arouses interest when seen flying overhead, or hunting for food along 

 some river. 



Geog. Dist. Xorthern South America northward to the Arctic re- 

 gions. 



W. Ya. Dist. I have found this great bird quite common in Au- 

 gust and September along the Ohio River. Mr. Surber says, "For- 

 merly a few bred near Falling Springs (Greenbrier County)." 



Xests Platform of sticks in trees. Breeds locally throughout much 

 of its range. 



Food Fish, frogs, reptiles, small mice, etc. 



200. Little Blue Heron (Ai'dea caerulea). The two color phases 

 of this species are most admirably illustrated in the two specimens 

 shown here. Compare with this species other species in the collection 

 that change the form and color of their plumage according to the sea- 

 son, and for various reasons. The color phases of some of these birds 

 are very perplexing. 



Geog. Dist. Tropical and temperate America. 



\Y. Ya. Di^t. Mr. Sidney Morgan says, "Very common in July and 

 August, 1901. One remained for a month. Xone before nor since." 

 (This note refers to the region about Poca, Putnam County, on the 

 Great Kanawha Eiver). Mr. W. E. D. Scott, in his pamphlet on the 

 birds of Kanawha County, says, "Mr. William H. Edwards informed 

 me of the occurrence of this species several times in this vicinity." 



Xest Gathers in colonies and builds nests of sticks in bushes. 

 Breeds in southern IT. S. 



Food Aquatic animals. 



201. Green Heron (Ardea virescen-s}. These are beautiful speci- 

 mens, and well represent the species. 



Geog. Dist. Tropical and temperate America. 



W. Ya. Dist. Very common and reported by almost every bird 

 student who has given attention to our birds. 



Xest Builds its nest in willow trees and other bushes along streams. 

 I have found a number of the nests of this common heron in various 

 parts of our state. 



Food Like that of the other herons mentioned above. 



202. Black-crowned Xight Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax naevins). 



