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4. MAJOR. 1 HERON, HERON SEWGH, 



A. CINEREA, SHAW, j OR HERON-SHAW. 



A. occipite crista nigra dependent*, corpore cinereo, 

 collo subtus linea fasciaque pectorali nigris. 

 (mas) Lath. 



The bill is 6 inches long, of a yellow horn colour 

 above, and yellow below ; the edges serrated ; a 

 greenish naked skin extends from the beak beyond 

 the eyes ; the irides are yellow ; the crown is white, 

 (in winter) bordered with black lines ; on the nape of 

 the neck is a pendent crest; the fore-part of the neck 

 is beautifully mottled by a double row of black fea- 

 thers, those which fall over the breast are long and 

 loose ; the general plumage is lead or ash colour ; 

 the bastard wings and quills are of a bluish-black ; the 

 eggs are dirty green ; the middle claw is jagged. 



The female has no crest, and the feathers on the 

 breast are short. 



In the spring herons congregate, and build in the 

 highest trees. 



The nest is made of sticks, and lined with a few 

 rushes, wool or feathers. 



The female lays 4 or 5 eggs, of a pale green co- 

 lour. 



This bird feeds upon fish, and is a formidable 

 enemy to such as wish to preserve them : we have 

 taken out of the stomach of one five eels, each a 

 foot long. 



