\3 



PURPLE HERON. 



ARDEA PURPUREA, Linn. 



Ardea purpurea, Linn. S. N. i. p. 236 (1766) ; Naum. is. 

 p. 63 ; Macg. iv. p. 453 ; Hewitson, ii. p. 312 ; Yarr. 

 ed. 4, iv. p. 172 ; Dresser, vi. p. 217. 



Heron pourpre, Pi'ench ; Purpurreiher , Bergreiher, Ger- 

 man ; Garza, Garza real, Spanish. 



Many instances of the occurrence of this species in 

 our country have been recorded. I was present at the 

 capture of a young Purple Heron in the "Broad" 

 district of Norfolk in July 1862; but I do not know 

 that there is any authentic evidence of the nesting of 

 this Heron even in that most eminently suitable part of 

 England, or, indeed, elsewhere in the three kingdoms. 



The Purple Heron is well known throughout the 

 Mediterranean countries as a summer visitor, and still 

 breeds in certain parts of France and also in Holland, 

 from which latter country I have very recently received 

 some young birds unable to fly, and with some of the 

 nursery filaments still adherent. This species migrates 

 in large flocks generally at a considerable height, and, 

 on its first arrival, may often be found in gardens and 

 corn-fields far away from the jungles of reeds and canes 



