seen in the structure. The ordinary diameter of the nest is about eight inches. Dr. Langdon, in the 

 article quoted from above, says of this nest: "Rather bulky often for the size of the bird, composed 

 entirely of 'saw-grass,' a platform beng constructed by bending a number of green blades toward a com- 

 mon center so that they cross each other at a height of fifteen or twenty inches from the water; this plat- 

 form is slightly depressed in the center, and the depression lined with a few blades of dried grass of the 

 same species as that used in the foundation." With the exception of being smaller the nest is very similar 

 in position, construction, and materials to that of the Florida Gallinule, and can be found without difficulty 

 in swamps which these Bitterns frequent. 



EGGS: 



The complement of eggs varies from three to five, usually four is the number. The second laying 

 genei'ally contains but three. They measure from 1.16 to 1.27, in long-diameter, and from .94 to 1.00 in 

 short-diameter. A common size is about .98 x 1.20. Like all the eggs of this genus they are oval in 

 form. The ground-color of the shell is pale blue, without spots. The color fades quite rapidly when the 

 shell is exposed to the light after the eggs are blown, and less rapidly, but none the less surely, when 

 kept in the dark, to a dull milky white. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS: 



The nest and eggs of the Least Bittern when together can always be readily recognized by the 

 characteristics stated above. The eggs when out of the nest can scarcely be confounded with those of any 

 other bird except perhaps those of the two Cuckoos; from these they may be distinguished generally by 

 the smoother surface, rounder form, and somewhat fainter tint of shell. 



REMARKS: 



Fig. 7. Plate LX represents three eggs of the Least Bittern, taken June 10th, 1884, from two nests 

 near Circleville, Ohio. They show the common sizes, shapes, and color of shell when freshly blown. 



In regard to the domestic life of this diminutive Bittern I know but little. I have often encountered 

 it during spring migrations as well as during the building season, and at all times it seems to be the 

 same quiet, melancholy, half stupid creature. At the time of mating it is the most animated, and may 

 often be seen climbing about the stems of the water-plants like the Starling. It flies with like motions to 

 those of the larger members of its family, and as silently as a bat. In the day-time it will seldom fly 

 but a few yards, and with a little perseverance it may be run down and captured when found on dry 

 land. I have had several specimens alive, and have endeavored to discern some interesting trait of 

 character, but in vain. The last one I caught was a perfect beauty in plumage, but after keeping him a 

 few days I concluded to give him his liberty. At dusk one pleasant evening I tossed him in the air; he 

 started off bravely and was soon out of sight. The next morning his head and some wing feathers were 

 brought to me by a neighbor, all that the house-cat had left of this beautiful little bird. 



236 



