Three examples of the Herons we give in this illustration. 
The Egret is a native of several parts of America, having its principal residence 
in the southern portions of that continent, and visiting the more northern districts 
•during several months of the year, arriving generally about February or March. 
As it finds its food among inundated and swampy grounds, it is generally seen 
haunting the rice-fields, the marshy river-shores, and similar localities, and 
seldom, if ever, visits the high inclosed regions. The food of the Egret consists 
of the smaller mammalia, little fish, frogs, lizards, snakes, and insects. It is 
a handsome and elegant bird, and is conspicuous among the low marshy grounds 
which it frequents, on account of its large size and snowy plumage. 
The Heron still holds its place among the familiar British birds, being found 
on the banks of almost every river and lake. It feeds mostly upon fish, frogs, 
and similar creatures. 
While engaged in its search for food, the Heron stands on the water’s edge, 
mostly with its feet or foot immersed, and there remains still as if carved out of 
wood, with its neck retracted, and its head resting between the shoulders. In 
this attitude its sober plumage and total stillness render it very inconspicuous, 
and as it mostly prefers to stand under the shadow of a tree, bush, or bank, 
it cannot be seen except by a practised eye, in spite of its large size. The back 
view of the bird while thus standing partakes largely of the ludicrous, and 
reminds the observer of a large jargonelle pear with a long stalk stuck in the 
ground. Sometimes it likes to squat on its bent legs, the feet being pushed out 
in front, and the knees, or rather ankles bent under its body. It generally suns 
itself in this position, partially spreading the wings and slightly shaking them. 
Usually it sits with the head resting on the shoulders ; but if alarmed at any 
unexpected sound, it shuts its wings, stretches its neck to the utmost extent, 
and then presents a most singular aspect. 
The flight of the Heron is grand and stately, for the wings are long and wide, 
and, in spite of the outstretched neck and the counterbalancing legs, the bird 
moves through the air with a noble and rapid flight. It is curious to see a 
Heron pass directly overhead. The long neck, body, and legs, are stretched in 
a line, stiff and immovable, and the gently waving wings carry the bird through 
the air with a rapidity that seems the effect of magic. 
The long beak of the Heron is very sharp and dagger-like, and can be used 
with terrible force as an offensive weapon. The bird instinctively aims its blow at 
the eye of its adversary, and, if incautiously handled, is sure to deliver a stroke 
quick as lightning at the captor’s eye. 
The Bittern 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. In habits and food the Bittern resembles the heron, except that it 
feeds by night instead of by day. 
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