634 Mr. M. J. Nicoll —Contributions 
Herons. In September 1908 I saw a single example near 
the Giza Pyramids. 
171. Ardea bubulcus. 
Ardeola russata Shelley, p. 268. 
The Buff-backed Heron—the “ Sacred Ibis ” of tourists, 
according to their dragomans—is now becoming much less 
abundant than it formerly was. Owing to the high price 
paid for its “ plumes ” and the snowy whiteness of its feathers 
this bird falls a victim to the multitude of “ sportsmen ” 
with which Egypt teems. Every autumn during the flooding 
of the country by the Nile this bird appears, but in con¬ 
stantly decreasing numbers. ‘There is little doubt that it 
would, if spared, do an immense amount of good in clearing 
off the “ cotton worm ” ; but its appearance is at once a signal 
for its destruction, and this is greatly facilitated by its tame 
and unsuspicious character, so that it seems likely that in 
the near future this handsome and useful Heron will become 
a rare bird in Egypt. Those interested in this subject are 
referred to an article by Dr. Walter E. Innes Bey which 
appeared in the ‘ Egyptian Gazette ’ for the 5th and 6th of 
January, 1903. 
172. Ardetta minuta. 
Botaurus minutus Shelley, p. 271. 
Owing to its retiring habits the Little Bittern is not often 
met with, though it occurs in all suitable localities and 
breeds in Egypt. I have frequently seen examples offered 
for sale alive to these Gardens which have been caught 
locally; but although I have observed many in other parts 
of Egypt I have only once met with this bird alive in this 
Province, an adult male having been seen in the Zoological 
Gardens on April 26th, 1909. 
173. Nycticorax griseus. 
Nycticorax griseus Shelley, p. 270. 
For the occurrence of the Night-Heron in the Giza 
Province see Special Report, No. 3.-—“Wild Birds of 
the Giza Gardens, 1898-1908,” Cairo National Printing 
Departm., 1908. 
