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BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



According to Dr. Coues, " the food of this bird consists of various 

 kinds of small aquatic animals. In its stomach may be found different 

 molluscs, craw-fish, frogs, lizards, small snakes and fishes, as well as 

 insects. Such prey is captured with great address, by spearing, as the 

 bird walks or wades stealthily along. The thrust of the bill is marvel- 

 ously quick and skilful more action is displayed on such occasions 

 than probably under any other circumstance." Birds of the Northivest. 



Although Bitterns frequently devour fish, I believe they prefer other 

 kinds of animal food, especially snakes, frogs and insects. 



The food materials of nine of these birds, which I have examined, are 

 given in the following table : 



Botaurus exilis (GMEL.). 



Least Bittern. 



DESCRIPTION. 



" Head above and the back dark glossy-green ; upper part of neck, shoulders, 

 greater coverts, and outer webs of some tertials, purplish-cinnamon ; a brownish- 

 yellow scapular stripe (broadest in female). 



Female with the green of head and back replaced by purplish-chestnut. Iris 

 yellow. 



Length, 13 inches; extent, about 17; wing, 4.75; tarsus, 1.60; bill above, 1.75." 

 Bawds' B. of N. A. 



Habitat. Temperate North America, from British Provinces to the West Indies 

 and Brazil. 



The Least Bittern, the smallest of the herons, I have found in this 

 state only as a rather rare visitant during the spring and fall migrations. 

 This species is sometimes, though rarely, observed in Pennsylvania 

 during the breeding season. When alarmed they fly generally but a few 

 yards and take shelter among the reeds or long grass. Least Bitterns 

 are scarcely ever seen exposed, but skulk during the day, and, like the 

 preceding species, feed chiefly in the night. 



Mr. Geo. B. Sennett, of Erie, has taken specimens in Crawford and 

 Erie counties, where it is said the species breeds occasionally. Dr. John 

 W. Detwiller, of Bethlehem, Pa., has found the Least and also the 

 American Bitterns breeding here. From personal observation I know 

 nothing concerning the nest or eggs of this species. The following in- 

 teresting remarks relating to nest and eggs of this bird are taken from 

 Oliver Davie's valuable work (Nests and Eggs of North American 



