THE NIGHT-HERON. 



Nydicorax griseus (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 41. 



The Night-Heron has been known as a straggler to England since 1782, when 

 it was first recorded, and since that date a good many have been obtained, mostly 

 on the southern and eastern coasts, although a fair number have occurred inland. 

 A few have been noticed in different parts of Scotland, one as far north as 

 Aberdeen, and another on the Outer Hebrides, whilst in Ireland twenty-four have 

 been observed. 



It is known as a regular spring visitor to Central and Southern Europe, and has 

 been recorded as far north as the Faeroes, inhabiting also more or less the whole of 

 Africa and a large part of the temperate and southern regions of Asia. A closely 

 allied form is found in America. 



Regarding its nidification. Lord Lilford says (Birds of Northamptonshire and 

 Neighbourhood, vol. ii. p. 125): "This species commences to nest about the 

 middle of May, sometimes in congregations composed entirely of its own species, 

 but, in my experience, most frequently in company with other members of the 

 Heron family. The nests are slightly but solidly built of twigs and reed-stalks, 

 and usually situated in low-growing bushes in marshy jungles, but occasionally 

 in trees at a considerable height, and now and then among canes and reeds only 

 a few inches above the ground or water. The eggs are generally four in number, 

 and in colour are of the usual greenish-blue that prevails among the Herons." 



The bird represented in the plate was drawn from a sketch of one in the Lilford 

 aviaries, as it stood over its eggs, which were laid on the bare ground, two small 

 twigs being the only material collected for the nest. 



The rather melancholy "squak" which represents the Night-Heron's usual 

 note is mostly heard after sunset, as the habits of the bird are entirely nocturnal ; 

 during the day it generally seeks the repose of shady willows and other trees, 

 where it passes the time, sitting quietly on some bough. 



The food consists of various aquatic insects, reptiles, and small fishes, in the 

 capture of which the bird shows great activity. 



The long white neck-plumes of the Night-Heron vary considerably in number ; 

 according to Lord Lilford there are usually five, while some birds have only two, 

 and as many as ten have been noted. These are shorter in the female, and her 

 colour is also duller. 



The immature bird has the upper parts brown with lighter stripes and spots, 

 and the pale underparts are streaked with dark. 



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