THE BITTERN. 545 



exception of size, and the rust-colored thighs of the present, they are extremely alike. The 

 common Heron of Europe is not, however, an inhabitant of the United States." Since 

 the days of Wilson, it has been ascertained that the European Heron (Ardea cinerea) 

 is occasionally a straggler in this country, and, consequently, is enumerated with birds 

 of North America. The Great Heron does not assume the full plumage daring the first 

 season, nor until the summer of the second. When in complete plumage, the sexes are 

 exactly alike. 



The length of this Heron is four feet four inches, from bill to tail, and to bottom of the 

 feet, five feet four inches. The extent of wings, six feet. The bill is eight inches long. 



The Snowy Heron (Garzefta candidissima) is in some respects more attractive than the 

 preceding. It is much smaller, but its graceful attitude, and delicate, flowing plumes render 

 it exceedingly beautiful, its plumage being wholly white. It is properly a southern bird, 

 peculiar to America, yet, as other species, a straggler now and again finds its way northward, 

 even as far as Massachusetts. It inhabits Mexico, West Indies, and Central and South 

 America. It resembles the "Little Egret "'of Europe. The plumes and larger size of the 

 American bird distinguish it. Like most of its tribe, this Heron prefers the salt marshes, near 

 its breeding-places, where, also, it can quickly reach its accustomed feeding-grounds. For this 

 reason, it seldom goes far inland. 



The length of this species is two feet one inch ; extent of wings; three feet two inches. 

 The sexes are alike in size and plumage. 



Peale's Egret (Dichromanassa rufa), called also Reddish Egret, is another species, 

 having in the breeding season a pure white plumage, and at others a red-colored one. 



Green Heron (Butorides mreseens). This Heron is found throughout the United States 

 generally, breeding throughout and wintering in the South. It ranges from Canada West to 

 Venezuela and the AY est Indies. It is only noticed in the West in the southern and eastern 

 portions of the Missouri region. 



This bird is a common one in the Eastern States, but is not frequently seen, as it frequents 

 the most secluded swamps, pools, morasses, where its most favorite food is to be found. 



When alarmed, the Green Heron rises with a hollow, guttural scream ; does not fly far, 

 but usually alights on some old stump, tree, or fence, and looks about with extended neck, 

 though sometimes this is drawn in so that his head seems to rest upon his breast. As he walks 

 along the fence, or stands gazing at you with outstretched neck, he has the habit of jerking 

 his tail. He sometimes flies high, with doubled neck and legs extended behind, flapping the 

 wings smartly, and travelling with great expedition. During the whole summer, until late in 

 autumn, these birds are seen in our marshes, but never in winter. Unlike many of the Herons, 

 this species is found in the interior, wherever there is water. It is eighteen inches long, and 

 twenty-five in extent of wing. The prevailing color is green. Few groups of birds have such 

 varied coloration as the Herons. The sexes are alike in markings and size. 



The Bittern is now seldom seen in this country, partly because it is a rare bird and 

 becoming scarcer almost yearly, and partly because its habits are nocturnal, and it sits all day 

 in the thickest reeds or other aquatic vegetation. The marshy grounds of Essex seem to be 

 the spots most favored by this bird at the present day, although specimens are annually killed 

 in various parts of the country. 



In habits and food, the Bittern resembles the heron, except that it feeds by night instead 

 of by day. Like that bird, it uses its long sharp beak as a weapon of offence, and chooses 

 the eye of its adversary as the point at which to aim. The feet and legs are also powerful 

 weapons, and when disabled from flight, the Bittern will fling itself on its back, and tight 

 desperately with foot and bill. 



The nest of the Bittern is placed on the ground near water, and concealed among the rank 



Vol. n.— 69. 



