BIRDS WADING DIAGRAM 4. 



diverging behind. They always preserve this order, and are seen 

 to fly thus at a great height in the air. The bird at the apex of 

 the triangle only remains there for a certain time, and then falls 

 into the rear, or at least attempts to do so, and another takes its 

 place to cleave the air. 



The cranes, like other wading birds, put their head under their 

 wing when they sleep. They also often lift up one leg, and stand 

 for hours together motionless upon the other. 



The Herons have an ashy-coloured plumage, with a black crest 

 behind the head, and the front of the neck white, spotted 

 with black feathers. They disport themselves during the 

 day on the borders of lakes and rivers, and at night 

 retire to the woods, or to the groves which are reserved for 

 them, and which are called heronries. They make their nests 

 as high on the trees 

 as they can, and prefer 

 the summits of poplars. 

 The heron has large 

 wings ; its flight is 

 powerful, and it can 

 soar very high. When 

 it is pursued by a bird 

 of prey, this is its 

 means of escape, and 

 it tries to rise above it. 

 It is also extremely 

 patient when it watches 

 for its prey on the edge 

 of the water, and re- 

 mains there for hours 

 without stirring. 



The feathers of which head-dresses are made, are procured from 

 a small white species of heron, called the Egret, which is found in 

 America, and which likes to perch on the horns and back of 

 buffaloes and oxen. 



Heron. 



