162 ARDEID.E. 



species does not by preference reside : and its smaller size, 

 by facilitating its movements among the overhanging and 

 mingling foliage of water-plants and willows, enables it 

 to secure the shelter and retirement that it seems by nature 

 to prefer. 



Another proof that the Little Bittern is afraid of cold, is, 

 that it is never seen to frequent water shaded by large trees, 

 by high banks that keep off the rays of the sun. 



In one respect the Little Bittern differs greatly from the 

 common species, namely, in its perching very frequently on 

 the branch of a tree, particularly in the spring of the year; 

 choosing, however, a well-covered branch, situated not far 

 from the stem. 



To supply the wants of life is the occupation of this species 

 during the night ; and while day lasts the Little Bittern 

 remains concealed in the swampy, steamy cover of the 

 rushes and other herbage that the locality affords. 



It is a matter of surprise how the Little Bittern puts in 

 practice one of its frequent habits, namely, that of climbing 

 or running up and down a perpendicular branch of a tree, 

 with as much ease as if it walked on the ground. The 

 necessity of placing its feet in a line makes the circumstance 

 unavoidable of crossing its legs at every step, while the for- 

 mation of its feet is apparently adapted only for the purpose of 

 wading. The length and pliability of the toes and the arched 

 and sharply pointed claws materially aid this bird in retain- 

 ing its hold. 



The flight of the Little Bittern is different from that of 

 others of its family, being performed with stronger and quicker 

 motions of the wings : it does not fly high in the air during 

 the day, but only high enough in general to clear the vegeta- 

 tion among which it resides. When in the act of taking 

 flight, this Bittern flutters quickly with its wings ; but when 

 alighting it throws itself, as it were, to the earth, only 



