ARDEID2E — THE HERONS — FLORIDA. 
47 
there in rapid succession. When it has obtained enough, it retires to some quiet 
retreat, and there remains in repose until its hunger returns. In this state it is 
usually well on its guard against the approach of danger. Just before sunset it may 
always be seen again searching for food. When satisfied, it usually rises to the 
height of fifty or sixty yards in the air, and then Hies in a straight line to its roost- 
ing-place. Very few were seen on the St. John in the winter, but on several occa- 
sions some were met with on small ponds in the pine-barrens, attracted, there by the 
large number of frogs. Its flight is said to be very similar to that of the ludoviciana. 
When just about to alight, it descends with circular sailing, but otherwise flies, with 
constant flappings, in a direct line ; during adverse winds it flies very low. Except 
when breeding, it is very shy and vigilant ; but when engaged in incubation it 
appears to lay aside all its usual watchfulness. 
Mr. Audubon regarded it as strictly diurnal in its habits. Mr. Moore is very 
positive that the statement made by Mr. Audubon in reference to the habits of this 
bird — namely, that where fish are plentiful on the shallows near the shore it will run 
briskly through the water, striking here and there, capturing several in succession 
— is very incorrect as applied to this bird, though true of the ludoviciana, the candi- 
dissima, and the mfa. It is not known even when very young, at an age when 
all birds are rather impetuous feeders, to run, or even walk briskly through the 
water ; it never forgets to move slowly. Such acts of indiscretion and greediness 
have never been detected in the manners or motions of this Heron. Only when 
suddenly alarmed will it lay aside its calm and dignified demeanor, and then mani- 
fest the utmost confusion, awkwardness, and embarrassment. 
This species is more disposed to fly about, with its neck stretched forward to its 
full length, using it as a front rudder to assist its legs — the true rudder — in guiding 
its course. This Heron is not a scraper or raker; and although it often feeds in 
close proximity to the candidissima, does not, so far as known, imitate its manner 
of procuring food. 
In Florida it breeds as early as the first of March — a full month earlier than in 
Louisiana, and two months sooner than in New Jersey. In the Florida Keys it 
places its nest upon the tops of the tangled cactus ; in Louisiana, on low bushes of 
the water-willow ; and in its more northern abodes, on the tops of cedars. Wherever 
found, it is almost always sure to be in company with other species. The heronries 
in the southern portions of the country are often of astonishing size. The nest, in 
whatever situation it may be placed, is always formed of dry sticks intermixed with 
the leaves of various trees, grass, or moss. It is nearly flat, and without regular 
lining. In Florida, the number of eggs is three, rarely four, and never five, and 
their average size is said to be 1.75 inches in length by 1.25 in breadth. They are 
about the size of the eggs of the candidissima, and of the same color, but are more 
elongated. 
Two eggs of this bird (No. 117), taken by Dr. Bachman from a nest near Charles- 
ton, S. C., measure, one 1.80 inches in length by 1.20 in breadth, the other 1.81 
inches by 1.30. They are of an elongated oval shape, more so than those of any other 
Herons, and the greenish tinge of Prussian blue with which they are uniformly 
washed is also deeper than is usual in the egg of a Heron. 
Mr. Moore states that at Sarasota Bay the eggs of this species are laid from April 
10th to May 15th — not agreeing with Mr. Audubon in point of time. 
