Birds. 



1321 



know no instance of the occurrence of the great white heron in 

 this district. 



Squacco Heron, Ardea comata. Has occurred in the eastern coun- 

 ties, but only as a very rare and occasional visitant. 



Little Bittern, Botaurus minutus. Birds of this species, though 

 far from common in Norfolk, have occurred several times, principally 

 in the spring months, and occasionally in a manner which made 

 it probable that had they not been disturbed, they w T ould have nested 

 in the county ; in confirmation of which we may add, that a female, 

 killed near Lowestofft, was found upon dissection to contain a perfect 



egg- 



From an inspection of the specimens, obtained from time to time 

 in this district, we incline to the opinion, that if the females of 

 this species ultimately arrive at a plumage similar to that of the adult 

 males, as is asserted by modern naturalists, it is only at a much more 

 advanced period than that at which the same plumage is assumed by 

 the latter ; and it appears quite certain that the female, in the 

 supposed immature plumage, pairs with the adult male. 



Young of the Common Bittern. 



Common Bittern, Botaurus stellaris. Is found in this district 



iv 4z * 



