THE LITTLE EGRET. 



Ardea garzetta, Linnaeus. 

 Plate 40. 



This is an extremely rare visitant to the British Islands, apparently the only 

 reliable record being one got at Countess Weir, on the Exe, Devonshire, on 3rd 

 June 1870. Some others have been recorded as occurring in Yorkshire, Northamp- 

 tonshire, and Sussex, but doubt has been expressed as to their authenticity. The 

 Little Egret breeds in Southern Europe, as well as in Africa and the warmer parts 

 of Asia ; the European birds mostly wintering in Africa. 



It breeds in colonies, and builds its nest, which is lightly made of sticks and 

 reeds, in a bush or tree among the swamps ; the eggs, usually four in number, are 

 pale bluish-green. 



This species is very clamorous and noisy at the breeding stations, the cry 

 being harsh and discordant like that of its congeners, and like them it suffers much 

 at the hands of the plume dealers. 



It lives on small fish, reptiles, and water insects, and the sexes are alike in 

 colour. 



THE BUFF-BACKED HERON. 



Ardea bubulcus, Audouin. 

 Plate 40. 



A specimen of this Heron was shot in October 1805 near Kingsbridge, Devon- 

 shire, the only one which has been obtained in the British Isles. 



The Buff-backed Heron breeds in southern Spain, also inhabiting South-west 

 Asia, Africa, and Madagascar. 



It breeds among dense reed-beds and on bushes in marshy places, forming 

 large colonies like its allies, and constructs its nest of sticks. The eggs, from 

 three to five in number, are a delicate pale blue in colour. 



Its principal food appears to consist of the ticks infesting cattle, and in conse- 

 quence it may usually be found near the herds, but it also feeds on grasshoppers 

 and other insects. 



Its notes are harsh like those of other Herons. 



In the autumn the buff-coloured plumes are moulted, and are not again assumed 

 till the following spring. In the female these are less developed, and she is smaller 

 than the male. 



END OF VOL. II. 



Printed by Rallantyne, HANSOm Co. 

 at Paul's Work, F^dinhurgh 



