630 AVES. -EGRET...HERON 
THE LUT PLE @RE rt 
Is the size of a fowl. The hind head is crested, and two of the feathers, 
which are five inches in length, hang gracefully behind. The whole plu- 
mage is cf a beautiful white, and the elezance of the bird is much increased 
by the long, loose feathers which cover and hang over the rump; their flesh 
is said to be excellent. It is conjectured that both the crane and egret were 
formerly inhabitants of Great Britain; but this can hardly be said of them 
at present, notwithstanding a solitary instance or two of their having been 
shot there. In America there are egrets found of a reddish, and some of a 
black color ; but they differ in no other respect from the European. 
THE’ NVGHT HERON? 
[s found in Europe and America. In the United States it is known by the 
name of qua bird, and breeds usually in the most solitary and deeply shaded 
parts of a cedar swamp. The males regularly direct their course every 
evening at twilight towards the marshes, uttermg in a hoarse and hollow 
tone, the sound gua. At this hour, also, all the nurseries in the swamps are 
— 
1 Ardea garzetta, Lin. 2 Ardea nycticorax, Lin. 
