200 ARDEID^E. 



Order HERODIONES. Family ARDEID^E. 



214. Ardea cinerea, Linnaeus. The Common Heron. 



Moorish. Aishush, Bou-onk (perhaps " ouk," neck, more likely 

 from cry). Spanish. Garza, Garza ceniza. 



"This species is, in the vicinity of Tangier, both resident and 

 migratory. Those which migrate pass over to Europe during 

 February and March, returning in November and December, 

 being at all seasons plentiful." Favier. 



The Common Heron visits the neighbourhood of Gibraltar in 

 great numbers during the winter season ; and they particularly 

 frequent the district " between the rivers " near Palmones. 

 Mostly departing by March, some few pairs are resident about 

 Casas Viejas. I never found them breeding, but some of the 

 numerous nests supposed to belong to the Purple Heron possibly 

 had the present species for their rightful owner. 



Male. General colour ashy grey ; crown white ; crest and nape black ; 

 hind neck pale grey ; sides of breast black. 



Female. Crest less developed and plumage duller. 



Young. Crown ashy; sides of breast striped with black; no plumes on 

 back. Length 36 inches. 



215. Ardea purpurea, Linnaeus. The Purple Heron. 



Moorish. Siad el mraj (the hunter of the marsh). Spanish. 

 Garza. 



" This Heron is, in Morocco, a summer visitant, and nearly as 

 numerous as the Common Heron. They pass north in April, 

 returning in September, many remaining in the country to breed, 

 frequenting reed-beds and rushes on the edges of lakes and 

 rivers . ' ' Favier. 



The Purple Heron, in Andalucia, only remains for the nesting- 

 season ; and I never knew an instance of its occurrence in winter. 



