Birds of Massachusetts. 211 
times uses its claws with serious effect, making a 
rough and angry sound, and constantly attempting to 
escape. : 
The nest is formed of sticks arranged on each 
other so carelessly, that it is sometimes overset by 
the young. The eggs are four in number, of a light 
sea green. The young remain a long time in the 
nest; as soon as they are able, they climb to the 
tops of the trees, and there wait to be fed. Their 
flesh is said to be as good as that of the pigeon. 
They undergo three annual changes of plumage be- 
fore they reach their mature state. 
The American Birrern, Ardea minor, sometimes 
called the Night Hen, from its nocturnal habits, is 
a retired bird, which remains hidden in the reeds 
and sedge throughout the day, never leaving its re- 
treat, except in cases of alarm. It then flies off with 
a hollow ery, and as its motions are heavy, it is ea- 
sily brought down. They feed mostly in the night, 
and it is in the dusk of morning and evening that 
their booming note is usually heard. They breed in 
the northern regions, where their nests are made in 
swamps among the coarse grass; the eggs are four, 
of a green color. They also breed in this State, 
The Green Heron, Ardea virescens, is better 
known than any other of the tribe, and, without any 
reason, is heid in general contempt. He cares very 
little, however, for the scorn or favor of man, and 
neither seeks nor fears his society. He prefers the 
solitude of swamps and marshes, where he can asso- 
