138 THE BIRDS OF ATJSTEALIA 



Nest a fragile structure of sticks, usually built on mangroves 

 or similar trees near or over water. The three eggs are a pale 

 bluish-green colour, and measure about 1.60 x 1.21 inch. 



Genus Ardetta. 

 Bill serrated. Legs feathered down to tarsal joint. Tarsus 

 as long as mid toe. Tail quills 10. 



The Little Yellow Bittern. 



Ardeiia sinensis. 



Japan and China to Northern Australia. 



Above brown; edge of wing white; lower back ashy grey; tail and 

 crown of head and nape black; throat white, streaked with yellowish buff, 

 like the rest of the under surface; lower abdomen white; on each side of 

 upper breast a patch of . dependent feathers, blackish with yellowish 

 margins. Total length 15.5 inches, culmen 2, wing 4.9, tail 1.5, tarsus 

 1.75. 



Nest formed by treading down thick growing rushes or reeds 

 in swamps. Four eggs are usually laid, of a very pale bluish 

 colour; they measure about 1.24 x .94 inch. 



The Minute Bittern. 



Ardeita pusilla. 



Australia and New Zealand. 



Back, scapulars, and tail glossy greenish black; wing-coverts light 

 brown, tinted with yellow; throat and under surface white, tinged with 

 yellow; bill yellow. Total length 10 inches, culmen 1.8, wing 5.2, tail 2, 

 tarsus 1.6. 



Nest of reeds or rushes trodden down into a slight platform. 

 The four eggs are white, and measure about 1.20 x .99 inch. 



These little birds, unless they are disturbed, are rarely seen, 

 remaining very close among the reeds. 



Genus Dupetor. 

 Bill short and thick, longer than tarsus. Tarsus as long as 

 mid toe. 



