117 
Distinctions. Owing to its Bmall size and striking coloration can be mistaken^ for 
no other bird in Canada except perhaps its very close and rare relative, Cory's Least 
Bittern Ixobrychus neoxenus. This latter bird has the creams and ochres replaced by seal 
or reddish brown and it is still undecided whether or not it is only a colour phase of the 
common form. However, in the western provinces, only in Manitoba is there the slightest 
possibility of its occurrence. 
Field Marks. Small size and striking colours make the species unmistakable. Seldom 
seen except at close range when colour and Bize are evident. 
Nesting. Generally over water, in nest on platform of dead rushes in a marsh or 
reed-patch. 
Distribution. Eastern North America, regularly only just crossing our border in 
Ontario and Quebec. There are several records for southern Manitoba. 
Subfamily — Ardeinae. True Herons and Egrets 
General Description. More slender and graceful birds than the Bitterns and, on the 
average, larger. The smallest are slightly smaller than the American Bittern. Colour 
makes the best recognition character. 
Distinctions. Herons are usually slate-blue or dull green, but sometimes white. The 
juvenile Night Heron is dull, pale brown, the Bitterns have pronounced yellow coloration. 
All Canadian HeronB in full breeding condition have long fine plumes on crown, lower throat, 
or back, that are lost in the autumn. 
Field Marks. The characteristic outline in flight, with straight, sharp-pointed bill, 
head drawn in to the shoulders, and legs trailing behind, is common to both Bitterns and 
Herons which are better recognized apart by species than as subfamilies. However, any 
such bird that is obviously not a Bittern is probably a Heron. 
Nesting. Herons commonly build in communities, usually in tree topB in wet forests, 
but sometimes, especially on the prairies, on the ground in marshes or on islets in the lakes. 
The Herons are as a rule fishers of open shallows, haunting grassy 
bogs less than do Bitterns. Instead of stalking their prey they are likely 
to remain motionless in the shallows until it comes within reach, or only 
move after it slowly and by imperceptible movements. 
194. Great Blue Heron (Including Northwestern Coast Heron), blue crane, 
blue heron. Ardea herodias. L, 42. Plate XIV A. 
Distinctions. The largest Heron found in Canada; the Sandhill Crane is the only bird 
for which it may be mistaken. The fully feathered forehead is diagnostic (compare 
Figure 19, page 26, with 147 and 149, pages 121 and 122). 
Field Marks. Heron-like outline, large size, and general coloration make the best 
field marks. Unlike the Cranes that fly with neck outstretched, the Great Blue, like 
other Herons, travels with neck folded and head drawn in^to shoulders. 
Nesting. Usually in large communities in wet woods, such as tamarack, ash, or elm 
swamps, in nest of large, bulky structure of sticks in treetops. On the treeless prairies they 
nest on the ground on islets well out in the lakes and removed from prowling coyotes and 
other enemies. 
Distribution. Across the continent, in the west scarcely north of the central prairies; 
on the coast north to southern Alaska. 
SUBSPECIES. The bird of the Prairie Provinces is the type form Ardea herodias 
herodias. On the west coast occurs the Northwestern Coast Heron Ardea herodias fannini, 
an appreciably darker bird, especially on neck and back, and with tarsus averaging shorter. 
From present information, this race is confined to the coast from Washington northward. 
The Heron of the interior of British Columbia has not been definitely determined, but is 
probably typical herodias. 
This bird throughout most of its range is mistakenly called “Blue 
Crane” or “Fish Crane.” It is not a Crane, however, and especially in 
the west where Cranes occur commonly such confusion should be 
avoided. 
