The Great White Heron 

 THE GREAT WHITE HERON 



Ardea alba, Linnaeus 



Very few examples of this large species have occurred in 

 Great Britain. It breeds on the Danube and thence east- 

 wards in South Russia. The plumage is pure white, legs 

 and feet black. This species has become much scarcer 

 owing to persecution for its plumes, known as " ospreys." 

 Length 33 in.; wing 17 in. 



THE LITTLE EGRET 



Ardea garzetta, Linnaeus 



This species breeds in Europe in the countries bordering 

 the Mediterranean. It has only occurred in these islands 

 on two or three occasions. Plumage pure white. Length 

 21 in. ; wing 11*25 in. 



THE BUFF-BACKED HERON 



Ardea bubulcus, Audouin 



A scarce species in Southern Europe, but breeding in the 

 marismas of Spain. It is often found perched on the backs 

 of cattle. Only known in England from one example shot 



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