92 HERONS.— STORKS. 



33. The Herons, — Ardea, — are more carnivorous, and are 



recognised by their larger toes, and by their strong beak which 

 is cleft to beneath the eyes, and acuminated. They are gloomy 

 birds, and build their nests in swamps, along the banks of rivers. 

 They feed on fish, frogs, moles, insects, &c. 



34. The tribe is divided into Herons properly so called, Boat- 

 bills iCancroma) &c. The beak in the first is higher than it is 

 wide, and in the second flattened and very broad. 



So. Herons properly so called, — Ardea, — have the eyes sur- 

 rounded by a naked membrane, which extends to the beak ; the 

 tarsi are scutellated, &c. 



36. The Common Heron, — Mrdea cinerea, — is a large bird, the 

 plumage of which is bluish ash-colour, with the front of the neck 

 white, sprinkled with black tears, and a black tuft on the occiput ; 

 it is almost always solitary, and is often seen for hours together, 

 Oil the same spot, standing motionless on one foot, the body 

 almost straight, the neck bent, and the beak resting on one 

 shoulder ; it is gloomy and timid, and, in general, flies during 

 the night, when it utters a harsh, sharp cry ; its flight is not 

 rapid, but very powerful, and it can soar to an immense height. 

 Its depredations on the fishes of European rivers, render it 

 highly prejudicial ; it is celebrated on account of the sport which 

 the wealthy in former times, derived from hunting it with 

 falcons. 



37. The Crab-eater, is a species of Heron of small size which 

 is found in the mountainous districts of France ; it frequents the 

 vicinity of ponds. 



33. The name of Egrets is given to certain Herons, the 

 feathers of which, on the lovrer part of the back, at a certain 

 period, are long and fringed; the most beautiful species, the 

 feathers of which are used for ornamental purposes, are the 

 Great and the Little Egret ; their plumage is entirely white, and 

 they are met with in Europe. 



39. The Bitterns, and Night-Herons, also belong to this tribe. 



40. The tribe of Storks is characterised by a larger and 

 smoother beak than the preceding, and by strong, almost equal 

 palmate membranes betwixt the bases of the toes. 



33. What are the characters of Herons? 



34. How is tlie tribe of Herons divided ? 



35. How are Herons properly so called, characterised ? 



36. What are the characters'of the Common Heron ? What are its habits 7 



37. What is the Crab-eater ? 

 33. What are Egrets ? 



39. What are Bitterns? 



40. How is the tribe of Stoiks characterised? 



