HERODIONES. 53 



even then merely hopped into the foliage a little closer. 

 Later I learned that we failed to see the young bird which 

 was crouching in the grass. This bird is a summer resident, 

 probably breeding throughout the state wherever suitable 

 places may be found. 



The first reach Oberlin late in March or early in April, 

 and the last return south late in October. 



61. (191.) ARDETTA EXILIS (Gmel.). 191. 

 Least Bittern. 



Synonyms: Ardea exilis. 



Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 165. 



This little bittern is more local in its distribution than the 

 last species. At the Licking reservoir it was the most 

 numerous of the swamp haunting birds, but we were unable 

 to find one at the Lewiston reservoir. It nests in the San- 

 dusky bay swamps, and a pair has usually been found at 

 the Oak Point swamps. Elsewhere I have no knowledge of 

 it. The birds are so reluctant to leave their reedy retreats 

 that it is no wonder few are seen by any but the ardent orni- 

 thologist. It is likely that this bittern breeds locally through- 

 out the state, but the reports are not positive on that point. 



The migrations are late in April or early in May, and the 

 last return south by the middle of September. 



Subfamily ARDEiNyfi. Herons and Egrets. 



Six species of this group are found in Ohio. All of them 

 are wading birds and therefore feed in shallow water. They 

 choose more open water than the bitterns, trusting more to 

 watchfulness and stalking for their food. Their nests are 

 built in trees or bushes instead of in the rushes, and the 

 birds are found among the trees. Their colors do not blend 

 so perfectly with their surroundings. Their food is much 

 the same as that of the bitterns. 



