i8 British Birds, with their Nests and Eggs. 



the non-skulking Ardeidcz of my acquaintance. I have frequently approached on 

 horseback or in a boat, without any sort of concealment, to within a few yards of 

 these Egrets, who took very little notice of us. It is probable, however, that the 

 poor birds, or those that may be left of them, have learned Xhsi feminine fashion 

 has cast its eye upon them for personal decoration, and that the lust of gain by 

 this cruel folly has rendered the animal Man, as a rule, a very dangerous 

 neighbour." 



Family— ARDE ID ^. 



The Buff-Backed Heron. 



Ardea bubulcus, AuDOUlN. 



THIS pretty little Heron is also included among the British Birds on 

 the plea of its one occurrence in England, and that over ninety years ago. 

 The specimen, which was obtained in 1805, is now preserved in the Natural History 

 Museum, at South Kensington. In his recent Handbook, on the Birds of Great 

 Britain, Dr. Sharpe has placed this species in a genus {Bubulcus) distinct from 

 Ardea, under the name of Bubulcus lucidus, Rafin. 



This Heron, in the full plumage of the breeding season, has a well developed 

 crest, a large tuft of plumes on the chest and lower neck, and a profuse dorsal 

 train of hair-like feathers. These ornamental developments are of a rich "vinous 

 isabelline colour"; elsewhere the plumage is pure white. The bill is rich yellow 

 at the top, and reddish at the base; the legs and feet variable with age, but 

 yellow in the adult; the bare skin on the face yellowish-green. The female is 

 like the male, only its train plumes and gorget are less elaborate; and the bare 

 parts in the neighbourhood of the eyes are bright yellow. The adults in winter, 



