210 Mr. Peabody on the 
proceed as far as the gulf of St. Lawrence, but 
Wilson was probably misled by his informer. They 
come from the south in May, and in summer they 
are seen along the coast from this State to the gulf 
of Mexico. It is a fine looking bird, with animated 
and graceful motions ; if wounded, it defends itself 
vigorously, and sometimes inflicts a severe wound. 
The fall of the leaf is the signal for its departure. 
This heron is often exposed for sale in the southern 
markets, and, in the early part of autumn, the flesh 
is said to be good. 
The Nicur Heron, Ardea nycticoraz, called the 
Qua-bird from its peculiar call, is found in the south- 
ern states throughout the year, but many of them 
come to the north in spring, and their breeding 
places extend as far eastward as Maine. One of 
their breeding places is found in a marshy island 
in Fresh pond, in Cambridge, where they continue 
to resort, though exposed to much persecution. 
Their sight by day is imperfect; but the sense of 
hearing is so quick, that it is very difficult to ap 
proach them. They have a strong and steady flight, 
and seldom alight on the ground, without first rest- 
ing on the neighboring trees to examine the spot. 
On the ground it walks stooping, and is constantly 
moving about in search of food, which consists of 
frogs, tadpoles, water insects, and fish, which it wades 
deep in the water to procure. When satiated, it re- 
tires to a tree ora swamp, and there reposes on one 
leg, but starts from its slumber on the least alarm. 
When taken, it defends itself with its bill, but some- 
L 
