BRITISH BIRDS. 133 



eels, and other fish, also water rats and even young water- 

 fowl. The slow steady movement of its hollowed wings 

 as it passes over at some height readily identifies it ; at 

 intervals it utters a deep, hoarse, barking note. 



189. Ardea purpurea Linn. PURPLE HERON. 



Hab. Temperate and tropical regions of eastern hemis- 

 phere ; in Europe north in summer to Holland. 



Adult is, to some extent, similar to A. cwered, but 

 forehead and centre of crown are purplish-black, like 

 crest ; long plumes, which overlap wings when folded, 

 reddish-brown instead of grey like rest of upper parts ; 

 cheeks and neck reddish-buff with a stripe of spots on 

 each side ; lower breast and under wing-coverts rich 

 chestnut-red. Length 32*00. 



Has occurred more than forty times in England, three 

 times in Scotland, and once in Ireland. 



190. Ardea alba, Linn. GREAT WHITE HERON. 



Hab. Southern Palasarctic region. Migrates south- 

 ward in winter. 



Not more than ten examples have been taken in Great 

 Britain, most of them many years ago, while in Ireland 

 it has never been obtained. Several more are said to 

 have been observed at long intervals. 



191. Ardea garzetta, Linn, LITTLE EGRET. 



Hab. Southern Palaearctic and Oriental Regions ; also 

 Africa. In winter migrates from more northern districts. 



An even rarer visitor than the last. Nine examples are 

 said to have been taken in England, but some of these 

 occurrences are doubtful. One is said to have been killed 

 in Scotland in 1 844, while Thompson records it as obtained 

 three times in Ireland. 



