SQUACCO HERON. 151 



its own subsistence and that of its young brood. In Sclavonia 

 there is hardly a herd of swine without one or more of the 

 Squacco Herons being of the party : it also associates with 

 cows and sheep, which shews that the bird must be partial to 

 cattle. It is said at times to be seen perched in a tree, par- 

 ticularly in the spring of the year. The present species has 

 also the character of frequently roosting or sleeping during the 

 day in an open situation, or at most hidden behind a willow 

 stump or bush. 



When the Squacco Heron stands at rest, its figure or 

 attitude denotes its species at a glance, in consequence of its 

 body being in a perpendicular position, its long neck shortened, 

 and its beak facing the wind ; while the elongated feathers are 

 gracefully waving in the air. The motion or walk of the 

 Squacco Heron on the ground is not rapid, but more 

 active than that of all others of its family ; and yet in pursuit 

 of its prey it proceeds in the same stealthy manner. 



The flight of the Squacco Heron is not quick, but noiseless 

 and light ; the head and neck of the bird are drawn close to 

 the body, and the small cream-white wings beat the air with 

 much regularity : the legs are extended out behind, like those 

 of all herons. 



The Squacco Heron is not a shy bird, and is among its 

 own tribe very sociable and peaceable. The only note 

 uttered by this bird sounds like the word carr or charr, 

 which it only once repeats when frightened, or when it takes 

 wing, although this it does very frequently without making 

 any attempt at calling out. 



Provided the Squacco Heron is taken from the riest, it 

 becomes a very pleasing bird in a poultry-yard, on account 

 of its beautiful plumage and harmless demeanour. 



The Squacco Heron feeds principally on fish and frogs of 

 small size, frog spawn, and water-beetles. Like others of its 

 family, this species stalks noiselessly through bogs, for the 



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