GREAT BLUE HERON. 163 
to alight on trees. Among the branches of the 
dark mangrove its nest is formed. Its flight, 
which is more rapid than that of others of its 
kind, is performed during its migrations by con- 
tinued flappings; but at other times, sailing more 
sportively, it is combined with the most elegant 
aerial movements. In cloudy weather, these birds 
soar in wide circles high into the air, frequently 
uttering a note not unlike that of the raven. 
Should the atmosphere suddenly change to cold, 
they may be seen in groups of fifty or a hundred, 
as though assembled for council, when arranging 
themselves in angular double lines, in marching 
order, as if by unaninious consent they fly swiftly 
southwards. In fair calm weather they betak 
themselves in flocks to some rocky isle or cluster 
of trees, where, spreading their wings, they bask 
in the sunlight for hours. Swimming and diving 
with great expertness—their food consists prin- 
cipally of fishes, with which they satisfy the 
cravings of their enormous appetites. Similar in 
its powers of flight, its habits and diet, is the 
common cormorant, found along the coast’ of 
Labrador, and rarely seen further than the limits 
of Maryland. 
In fertile Louisiana the elegant great blue 
heron may be seen on the margins of the 
beautiful streams and inland ponds, his grace- 
ful neck extended, as with his golden eye he 
