SQUACCO HERON. 95 



mentions the occurrence of this one, a male, a few miles from 

 Yarmouth, as recorded in the 'Globe' newspaper on the 4th. 

 of that month. A second was shot at Oulton, in May, 

 1831; another near Yarmouth, in the same month of the 

 same year; and a third at Ormesby, in June, 1834. Cam- 

 bridgeshire, a fine adult bird in perfect plumage; and 

 Lincolnshire. One in the county of Durham, near Stockton- 

 on-Tees, on the 9th. of October^ 1852. 



They migrate usually in April and September, travelling 

 generally together, but unfrequently only in pairs. 



It inhabits the banks of morasses and stagnant pools, the 

 sides of rivers, lakes, and ponds, and the 'Low Countries' that 

 border on the sea-shore in some parts. During the day it 

 frequently roosts or sleeps in open situations, or at most 

 under the shelter of some tree or bush, but otherwise 

 wanders about in search of food for itself or its young, 

 which it is said only to seek during the day-time. This 

 species is fond of 'associating with cattle and animals. It is 

 said at times to perch on trees, particularly in the spring 

 season of the year. They are easily tamed, if brought up 

 from the nest, and are ornamental birds in a poultry yard, 

 and at the same time quiet and harmless. 



Its flight is soft and light, but not quick, performed with 

 even beatings of the wings, the legs being stretched out 

 behind, and the head and neck drawn in towards the body. 

 On the ground it is active, though not quick in its move- 

 ments. It stands upright when at rest, with the neck 

 shortened, and fronts the wind. 



It feeds on small fishes, molluscous animals, frogs, and 

 insects; and in search of these it stalks, like the other 

 birds of its class, through the bogs and morasses, where they 

 are the most to be found. 



The note is described as resembling the word 'carr,' or 

 'charr,' and is said to be only uttered if the bird is alarmed, 

 or is about taking wing, though this it frequently does 

 without making any attempt at calling out. The odd name 

 of Squacco, which this bird bears, is said to have been 

 given to it by the natives about Bologna, in Italy: I con- 

 jecture from some fancied resemblance to its note. 



The nest is said to be built on trees. 



Male; length, about one foot five or from that to one 

 foot seven inches; bill, pale bluish green for nearly two 

 thirds from the base, darker in colour towards the point; 



