WADING BIRDS 
Gulf coast, where they place their nests, which 
are platforms of sticks, in trees and bushes over 
the water. They lay three eggs which are white, 
and have a rough surface. Size 2.75 x 1.75. 
[189-] Jabiru. Jabiru mycteria. 
This large bird, which is the only true Stork 
that claims a place in our avifauna, is a native 
of South and Central America, wandering north, 
casually to Texas. Their nests are large plat- 
forms of sticks in very high trees. 
BITTERNS and HERONS 
Family ARDEIDAE 
Herons and Bitterns are long-legged waders, 
having straight, pointed bills, and with the head 
feathered, except for the lores. 
190. Bittern. Bciutaurus lentiginosus. 
Range. — United States and southern British 
provinces, breeding in the northern half of the 
United States and wintering in the southern por- 
tion. 
Jabiru 
Bittern 
Brownish drab 
This species, with its mottled rusty brownish plumage, is one of the best 
known of the Heron family. It is known locally by a great many names, nearly 
all of which have reference to the “booming” or “pumping” sound made during 
the mating season. They build their nests in swampy or marshy places, plac- 
ing them on the ground, frequently on a tussock, entirely surrounded by water. 
The nest proper is only a few grasses twisted about to form a lining to the 
hollow. They lay from three to five eggs of brownish drab. Size 1.95 x 1.50. 
They do not breed in colonies, generally, but one or two pairs nesting in one 
marsh. Data. — Worcester, Mass., June 3, 1897. Four eggs laid in a grass lined 
hollow in middle of a hummock of earth and grass, in middle of marsh. Col- 
lector, James Jackson. 
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