THE HERON. 



Ardea Herodias, or American Bittern. 



Bittern. 



The family of Herons is very extensive, and embraces not only the true Herons and Bitterns, but also 

 the Storks and BrstbiUs. As a general rule, they frequent the margins of rivers, or lakes, or marshes, 

 feeding on fish, reptiles, and even small mammalia. 



The Common Heron is spread over the greater part of Asia and Africa, as well as EuroDe. In America 

 it is represented by an allied species, Ardea Herodias. 



The Night Heron is found in most parts of the Old World. In many respects it resembles the Common 

 Heron in its habits, breeding, like that bird, in society, on the topmost branches ->f trees, and roosting 

 during the day in the recesses of woods adjacent to wild swamps and rivers, which it visits, on the approach 

 of night, in quest of prey. 



The Bittern is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and was once common in England, when, in the palmy 

 days of falconry, it was eagerly hunted with the hawk. 



Nifflit Heron. 



(287 j 



Hercm. 



Common Heron. 



