THE BITTERN. 
545 
exception of size, and the rast-cclored thighs of the present, they are extremely alike. The 
common Heron of Europe is not, however, an inhabitant of the United States.” Since 
the days of Wilson, it has been ascertained that the European Heron (. Ardea cinereci) 
is occasionally a straggler in this country, and, consequently, is enumerated with birds 
of North America. The Great Heron does not assume the full plumage during the first 
season, nor until the summer of the second. When in complete plumage, the sexes are 
exactly alike. 
The length of this Heron is four feet four inches, from bill to tail, and to bottom of the 
feet, five feet four inches. The extent of wings, six feet. The bill is eight inches long. 
The Showy Heboh ( Garzetta candidissima) is in some respects more attractive than the 
preceding. It is much smaller, but its graceful attitude, and delicate, flowing plumes render 
it exceedingly beautiful, its plumage being wholly white. It is properly a southern bird, 
peculiar to America, yet, as other species, a straggler now and again finds its way northward, 
even as far as Massachusetts. It inhabits Mexico, West Indies, and Central and South 
America. It resembles the ‘‘Little Egret” of Europe. The plumes and larger size of the 
American bird distinguish it. Like most of its tribe, this Heron prefers the salt marshes, near 
its breeding-places, where, also, it can quickly reach its accustomed feeding-grounds. For this 
reason, it seldom goes far inland. 
The length of this species is two feet one inch ; extent of wings, three feet two inches. 
The sexes are alike in size and plumage. 
Peale’s Egbet ( Dicliromanctssoj rufa ), called also Reddish Egret, is another species, 
having in the breeding season a pure white plumage, and at others a red-colored one. 
Gbeeh Heboh ( Butorides mrescens). This Heron is found throughout the United States 
generally, breeding throughout and wintering in the South. It ranges from Canada West to 
Venezuela and the West Indies. It is only noticed in the West in the southern and eastern 
portions of the Missouri region. 
This bird is a common one in the Eastern States, but is not frequently seen, as it frequents 
the most secluded swamps, pools, morasses, where its most favorite food is to be found. 
When alarmed, the Green Heron rises with a hollow, guttural scream ; does not fly far, 
but usually alights on some old stump, tree, or fence, and looks about with extended neck, 
though sometimes this is drawn in so that his head seems to rest upon his breast. As he walks 
along the fence, or stands gazing at you with outstretched neck, he has the habit of jerking 
his tail. He sometimes flies high, with doubled neck and legs extended behind, flapping the 
wings smartly, and travelling with great expedition. During the whole summer, until late in 
autumn, these birds are seen in our marshes, but never in winter. Unlike many of the Herons, 
this species is found in the interior, wherever there is water. It is eighteen inches long, and 
twenty-five in extent of wing. The prevailing color is green. Few groups of birds have such 
varied coloration as the Herons. The sexes are alike in markings and size. 
The Bittebh is now seldom seen in this country, partly because it is a rare bird and 
becoming scarcer almost yearly, and partly because its habits are nocturnal, and it sits all day 
in the thickest reeds or other aquatic vegetation. The marshy grounds of Essex seem to be 
the spots most favored by this bird at the present day, although specimens are annually killed 
in various parts of the country. 
In habits and food, the Bittern resembles the heron, except that it feeds by night instead 
of by day. Like that bird, it uses its long sharp beak as a weapon of offence, and chooses 
the eye of its adversary as the point at which to aim. The feet and legs are also powerful 
weapons, and when disabled from flight, the Bittern will fling itself on its back, and fight 
desperately with foot and bill. 
The nest of the Bittern is placed on the ground near water, and concealed, among the rank 
VOL. IT,— 69 . 
