83 



Economic Status. Of too rare occurrence in Canada to be of economic 

 influence. 



SUBORDER— HERODII. HERON-LIKE WADERS. 



As this suborder is represented in Canada by only one family, Ardeidm, 

 the description under that heading is sufficient. 



FAMILY — ABDEID.E. HEBONS AND BITTERNS. 



General Description. Heron-like birds with straight and very sharply pointed bills. 

 Space in front of eyes bare. A peculiar feature with this suborder is the occurrence of 

 "Powder-down tracts" — aggregations of peculiarly modified feathers giving off a dry 

 powder of unknown use. These feathers are found on various parts of the body hidden 

 under the visible plumage. Claw of the middle toe is pectinate, that is, furnished with 

 a series of well-defined comb-like teeth (Figure 19, p. 21), not merely roughnesses as in 

 the Ibises. 



Distinctions. This suborder might be mistaken for Cranes, but the feathered fore- 

 head is distinctive. Back of neck bare, the feathers of sides reaching around and behind 

 and hiding the bareness from casual observation. Hind toe very long and set level with 

 the other toes and not slightly raised as in other Waders. 



Field Marks. Obvious heron-like outline, with long graceful neck, long sharp bill 

 (Figure 18, p. 21), and lengthened legs (Figure 17, p. 21). Neck folded in flight, bringing 

 head close to shoulders, the legs trailing behind. The Cranes with which they may be 

 confused in life carry their necks outstretched. 



Perhaps no birds are so well known to the general public by common 

 repute and observation as these, yet we seldom hear them correctly named. 

 The terms Herons, Storks, and Cranes, are applied and misapplied indis- 

 criminately. There are no Storks in Canada. The Cranes are of western 

 distribution and are rarely seen in eastern Canada. The birds generally 

 called Cranes are true Herons. The family is divided into two subfamilies : 

 Botaurinm, the Bitterns; and Ardeinw, the true Herons and Egrets. 



Subfamily— Botaurinae. Bitterns. 



General Description. Marsh-inhabiting, heron-like birds of heavier and less graceful 

 build and habit than the true Herons. 



Distinctions. Though forming a well-marked subfamily they are difficult to define 

 in a short non-technical diagnosis. In Canadian species, colour is the best and most 

 easily recognized guide. Excluding Cory's Bittern, which is very rare (See under Least 

 Bittern, p. 84), the Canadian species have large amounts of ochraceous yellow on them, a 

 colour that is, in any extensive mass, absent from all our true Herons. 



Bitterns are bog and marsh haunters. They do not frequent wide, open 

 reaches of water, but drop down in the middle or on the edges of grass- 

 or reed-grown marshes, stalking their prey by silent approach through 

 the close cover. 



Genus — Botaurus. Bitterns. 



190. American Bittern, marsh hen. thunder-pump, stake-driver, fr. — le 

 butor d'amerique. Botaurus lentiginosus. L, 28. Plate VI A. 



Distinctions. With its general yellow coloration, alike in both sexes and all ages, 

 the Bittern can be mistaken for no other Canadian species. The Least Bittern is the 

 only other bird of like build showing mostly yellow, but its size is so small that there is no 

 chance of confusion. Black line from sides of face may be present or absent regardless 

 of sex, age, or season. 



Field Marks. As the bird rises from the reeds or grass its long neck, dangling legs, 

 and general yellowish coloration are easily recognized. At a distance, in flight, its outline, 

 head drawn in to the body and legs reaching out behind, is so similar to that of the Herons 

 that unless the light so falls as to show the colour, only apparent size differentiates them. 



