140 ARDEID/E. 



GRA LLA TORES. A RDE1DJE. 



PLATE CLXIV. 



HERON. 



ARDEA CINEREA. 



The Heron is not only a well-known bird in Britain, but 

 met with in most parts of the globe, except the most northern 

 countries, known under the denomination of Arctic regions. 

 Throughout Europe the Heron is found in low, marshy, and 

 wooded districts in the vicinity of rivers and lakes. Many 

 Herons remain with us the whole year, their numbers being 

 increased from time to time by visitors from abroad, when 

 severe frosts drive them southward from Norway or Sweden : 

 but the greater number of Herons pass the winter in the 

 southern parts of Europe, and on the opposite coast of the 

 Mediterranean, to which retreat the birds migrate in Septem- 

 ber and October, and return from thence northward again in 

 March and April. Herons do not migrate in silence, for, 

 whether they fly high or low, they continually utter their harsh, 

 unmelodious note, resembling the word craigh uttered in 

 a lengthened manner with cracked and high-pitched voices. 

 They generally travel in pairs. 



The locality preferred by the Heron is near the pure 

 and clear water of rivers and running streams, as much free 

 from flags and weeds as can be found, as in such still, retired 

 spots the birds can best pursue profitably their vocation, 

 in obtaining the food most suitable to their tastes and 

 habits. 



