16 — 
(31) ARDEA ALBA, L. 
(DAISAGI.) ^(GEEAT WHITE EGEET.) 
CiCONIAE.- AkDEIDAE. 
WHEEE FOUND. 
There are two kinds of this species, the one comes to Japan in the summer 
and the other in the winter. It lives mostly near the water in marshes 
and others. 
CHAEACTEEISTICS. 
The male and female are alike in the color of the plumage. The powder 
down feathers on the shoulders attain full development in the breeding season. 
It catches and eats fresh water mollusks and fishes. It does not form any largo 
flock. 
UTILITY. 
It belongs to the group of the birds used for food and is highly esteemed in 
the summer time. 
l32) ARDEA INTERMEDIA, WAGL. 
(SHIMAMEGUEI.) (PLUMED EGEET.) 
CiCONIAE.- ArDEIDAE. 
WHEEE FOUND. 
It comes to Japan in the summer and it is found abundantly. Its living 
places are similar to those of the proceeding species. 
CHAEACTEEISTICS. 
The powder down feathers cluster on the back and breast, especially those 
of the back are long and hang down six or seven inches from the end of 
the tril. 
It gathers in flocks, and comes to ponds, canals or paddy fields where it in¬ 
jures rice sprouts. 
UTILITY. 
It is an important species among the birds used for food. The powder 
down feathers are used as an ornament and are highly valued. 
