80 
is allied to the Sacred Ibis of the Nile and shows some of its general char- 
acters. It appears only occasionally in Canada, along the southern border. 
Economic Status. Of too rare occurrence in Canda to be of economic 
influence. 
SUBORDER—HERODII. HERON-LIKE WADERS. 
As this suborder is represented in Canada by only one family, Ardeide, 
the description under thatv heading is sufficient. 
FAMILY—ARDEID@®. HERONS AND BITTERNS. 
General Description. WHeron-like birds with straight and very sharply pointed bills. 
Space in front of eyes bare. A peculiar feature with this suborder is the occurrence of 
‘‘Powder-down tracts’—aggregations of peculiarly modified feathers giving off a 
powder of unknown use. These feathers are found on various parts of body hidden under 
the visible plumage. Claw of the middle toe is pectinate, that is, furnished with a series 
of well-defined comb-like teeth (Figure 19, p. 21), not merely roughnesses as in the Ibises. 
Distinctions. This suborder might be mistaken for Cranes, but the feathered fore- 
head is distinctive. Back of neck bare, the feathers of sides reaching around behind and 
hiding the bareness from casual observation. Hind toe very long and set level with the 
other toes and not slightly raised as in other waders. 
Field Marks. Obvious heron-like outline, with long graceful neck, long sharp bill 
(Figure 18, p. 21), and lengthened legs (Figure 17, p. 21). Neck folded in flight, bringing 
head close to shoulders, the legs trailing behind. The Cranes with which they may be 
confused in life carry their necks outstretched. 
Perhaps no birds are so well known to the general public by common 
repute and observation as these, yet we seldom hear them correctly named. 
The terms Herons Storks, and Cranes, are applied and misapplied indis- 
criminately. There are no Storks in Canada. The Cranes are of western 
distribution and are rarely seen in eastern Canada. The birds we generally 
hear called by the latter name are true Herons. The family is divided 
into two subfamilies: Botaurine, the Bitterns; and Ardeine, the true 
Herons and Egrets. 
Subfamily—Botaurine.  Bitterns. 
General Description. Marsh inhabiting, heron-like birds of heavier and less gracefu 
build and habit than the true Herons. 
Distinctions. ‘Though forming a well-defined subfamily they are difficult to define 
in a short non-technical diagnosis. In Canadian species, colour is the best and most easily 
recognized guide. Excluding Cory’s Bittern, which is very rare (see under Least Bittern, 
p. 81), the Canadian species have large amounts of ochraceous yellow on them, a colour 
that is, in any extensive mass, absent from all our true Herons. ; 
Bitterns are bog and marsh haunters. They do not frequent wide open 
reaches of water, but drop down in the middle or on the edges of grass- 
or reed-grown marshes, stalking their prey by silent approach through 
the close cover. 
190. American Bittern. MARSH HEN. THUNDER-PUMP. STAKE-DRIVER. FR.—LE 
BUTOR D’AMERIQUE. Botaurus lentiginosus. L, 28. Plate VIA. 
Distinctions. With its general yellow coloration, alike in both sexes and all ages, the 
Bittern can be mistaken for no other Canadian species. The Least Bittern is the only 
other bird of like build showing mostly yellow, but its size is so small that there is no 
chance of confusion. Black line from sides of face may be present or absent regardless 
of sex, age, or season. 
Field Marks. As the bird rises from the reeds or grass its long neck, dangling legs, 
and general yellowish coloration are easily recognized. Ata distance, in flight, its outime, 
