BITTERN. GRALLATORES. BOTAURUS. 29 
characters distinct from that genus (as now defined), I have 
adopted the viéws of some naturalists of the present day, and 
given them a generic title, believing that a determinate name 
applicable to the group is better calculated to promote the 
ends of science, and facilitate the study of this interesting 
branch of natural history, than the adoption of sections and 
subsections. 
The Bitterns differ from the Herons in having a much 
shorter neck, and in the hinder part of it being clothed with 
down, and the front and sides with long feathers which they 
can occasionally raise; and which peculiar distribution of plu- 
mage is essential to their economy, enabling them without 
inconvenience to bend and retain the neck in the position ge- 
nerally assumed when at rest, or when they move through 
the long grass and reeds in search of their prey. In this at- 
titude the long side-feathers of the neck meet behind, and 
completely cover the downy part, which, upon the extension 
of the neck, is left open and exposed. In these birds the 
bill also is shorter, stronger, and slightly arched ; the tarsi 
are shorter, and the tibize are covered with feathers as far, 
or nearly so, as the tarsal joint. The plumage of most of 
the species is spotted or rayed. They are solitary birds, and 
inhabit extensive woody marshes where reeds and other thick 
aquatic plants abound. ‘Their food consists of worms, in- 
sects, frogs, reptiles, and small fish; and, being nocturnal 
feeders, they are seldom seen on wing, except during even- 
ing or twilight. 
