D2h 
SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY. 
surface of the water and walks upon the aquatic plants.” Feeds on small Coleop¬ 
terous insects. Its nidification has not been ascertained, but in its general habits 
it appears to resemble our British Reedlings. 
On the same plate is figured, of the natural size, the— 
Aquatic Reedling, Salicaria aqucdica ,—Becfin aquatique, Fr. —Binsen 
Sanger, G.—Inhabits Italy and the east of Europe, occasionally visiting France 
and Germany, and, very rarely, Holland. a The nest is artfully constructed 
among the stems of aquatic plants, and the eggs are four or five in number, of a 
yellowish ash-colour, marked with very fine spots of greyish olive.” The sexes, 
as in the preceding species, are similar. This bird is somewhat less sombre in 
its plumage than the British specimens of the genus. How far its habits justify 
its being called, par excellence , “ aquatica” we have yet to learn. 
Common Bittern, Botaurus stellaris ,—Heron grandbutor, Fr .—Sgarza stellare, 
It. —Grosse Rhordrommel, G.—The figure represents a male, two-thirds of the 
natural dimensions. It might, we think, have been further diminished with 
advantage—otherwise we have no desire or reason to complain of the plate. 
Inhabits Europe, and also occurs in Asia and Africa. In England, where it 
once abounded, the extensive drainage and cultivation of waste and marshy 
tracts have now in a great measure banished it from the country, especially as 
it is a shy bird, desiring to hide itself amongst herbage during the day-time. 
Feeds on Mammalia, fishes, reptiles, insects, &c., which it procures in the dusk 
of morning and evening. The nest consists of sticks, Reeds, &c., placed among 
dense herbage near the water’s edge. The young, says Mr. Gould, are hatched 
in twenty-five days, and are fed by the parents in the nest until capable of 
providing for their own wants. During the pairing season (February or March), 
observes Mr. Selby, the Bittern utters its well-known booming sound, whilst 
rising in the air, in a spiral direction, to a very great height. When attacked by 
a Dog, adds the same estimable author, it throws itself on its back, defending 
itself vigorously and successful!}?- with its bill and claws ( alias “ tooth and nail”), 
as we have frequently observed the Barn Owl, Merlin Falcon, and other birds do 
in a similar predicament. The sexes do not differ—at least not in plumage, for 
we would not venture to answer for the absence of all private “ differences.” 
Greylag Goose, Anser ferns ,—Oie cendree, Fr. —Oca paglietane, It. —Ge- 
meine Gans, G.—An adult male is finely figured by Lear, two-thirds of the 
natural size. Inhabits the extensive districts of the temperate portions of Europe. 
“ Southwards it extends to the northern portions of Africa, eastwardly to Persia, 
and is generally dispersed over Asia-Minor.” Lives in hocks, feeding on young 
Corn, Trefoil, Grasses, grain, &c. Builds its nest among Rushes; the eggs, from 
six to twelve in number, are of a “ sullied white.” The sexes differ but little. 
Thrush Nightingale, Philomela turdoides , Blyth, —Becfin philomele, Fr. — 
