GRALT-/E. 
59 
feeding m small liocks ; there is a breeding-place of these 
birds on a small island to the north-west of Labnaii ; it is an 
almost hare rock, at some distance from the shore; the eggs 
are here deposited in a slight depression of the surface, and arc 
three in number to each uest; they arc of a -light green colour, 
and the nests are very numerous. While any one remains upon 
the rock, the old birds fly continuously round and round, 
screaming loudly all tbe time. Tbe eggs are frequently taken 
by tbe nati\ es, Avho are very fond of them ; notwithstanding 
this, however, the birdjs do not forsake the place. 
Ardea Javanica (Hoisf.) (?). 
Burong Tnkoyan (Malay name). 
Above, crown of tlie head grayish black, with dark bronze green 
reflections ; a moustache of the same colour springs on either side 
from the gape ; the long feathers of the back are light gray below, 
the upper or* exposed surfaces having bronze green reilections ; 
neck light greenish gray, tail gray, with the outer exposed edges of 
the feathers with greenish reflections; wings gray, the exposed 
parts of tbe feathers, as in the tail and back, having bronze green 
reilections; the wing-covers, secondaries, and tertials are edged 
more or less with whitish buff. 
Below, whitish gray, aline of white, diversified with dusky spots, 
extends from the chin down the throat. 
Beak black above, yellowish below ; legs blackish brown. 
Length, 1.9 to Sf* inches. 
„ of bill, from gape, d inches 4 lines, 
„ „ front, barely inches, 
„ of wings, 6 1 inches. 
„ of tad. *3 inches 5 lines. 
,, of thigh, 3 inches. 
,, of tarsus, If inch. 
,, of middle toe, nearly 3 inches. 
„ of lateral toes, 1 inch 7 lines ; equal. 
„ of hallux, 1 inch 4 lines. 
In colour and general appearance this Heron very much 
resembles the Ardea Javanica of Horsiield ; it is, b<wever, v(;ry 
considerably larger. It is not uncommon about tidal rivers, 
vhere it seeks its food in the mud ; it perches on bushes, and, 
when disturbed, usually flies but a very short distance. 
