BITTERN. GRALLATORES. BOTAURUS. 29 



characters distinct from that genus (as now defined), I have 

 adopted the views of some naturalists of the present day, and 

 given them a generic title, believing that a determinate name 

 applicable to the group is better calculated to promote the 

 ends of science, and facilitate the study of this interesting 

 branch of natural history, than the adoption of sections and 

 subsections. 



The Bitterns differ from the Herons in having a much 

 shorter neck, and in the hinder part of it being clothed with 

 down, and the front and sides with long feathers which they 

 can occasionally raise; and which peculiar distribution of plu- 

 mage is essential to their economy, enabling them without 

 inconvenience to bend and retain the neck in the position ge- 

 nerally assumed when at rest, or when they move through 

 the long grass and reeds in search of their prey. In this at- 

 titude the long side-feathers of the neck meet behind, and 

 completely cover the downy part, which, upon the extension 

 of the neck, is left open and exposed. In these birds the 

 bill also is shorter, stronger, and slightly arched ; the tarsi 

 we shorter, and the tibiae are covered with feathers as far, 

 or nearly so, as the tar sal joint. The plumage of most of 

 the species is spotted or rayed. They are solitary birds, and 

 inhabit extensive woody marshes where reeds and other thick 

 aquatic plants abound. Their food consists of worms, in- 

 sects, frogs, reptiles, and small fish ; and, being nocturnal 

 feeders, they are seldom seen on wing, except during even- 

 ing or twilight. 



