SQUACCO HEEON. 
95 
mentions the occurrence of this one, a male, a few miles from 
Yarmouth, as recorded in the ‘Globe’ newspaper on the 4th. 
of that month. A second was shot at Oulton, in May, 
1831; another near Yarmouth, in the same month of the 
same year; and a third at Ormesby, in June, 1834. Cam¬ 
bridgeshire, a fine adult bird in perfect plumage; and 
Lincolnshire. One in the county of Durham, near Stockton- 
on-Tees, on the 9th. of October, 1852. 
They migrate usually in April and September, travelling 
generally together, but unfrequently only in pairs. 
It inhabits the hanks of morasses and stagnant pools, the 
sides of rivers, lakes, and ponds, and the ‘Low Countries’ that 
border on the sea-shore in some parts. During the day it 
frequently roosts or sleeps in open situations, or at most 
under the shelter of some tree or hush, but otherwise 
wanders about in search of food for itself or its young, 
which it is said only to seek during the day-time. This 
species is fond of associating with cattle and animals. It is 
said at times to perch on trees, particularly in the spring 
season of the year. They are easily tamed, if brought up 
from the nest, and are ornamental birds in a poultry yard, 
and at the same time quiet and harmless. 
Its flight is soft and light, but not quick, performed with 
even heatings of the wings, the legs being stretched out 
behind, and the head and neck drawn in towards the body. 
On the ground it is active, though not quick in its move¬ 
ments. It stands upright when at rest, with the neck 
shortened, and fronts the wind. 
It feeds on small fishes, molluscous animals, frogs, and 
insects; and in search of these it stalks, like the other 
birds of its class, through the bogs and morasses, where they 
are the most to he found. 
The note is described as resembling the word ‘carr,’ or 
‘charr,’ and is said to be only uttered if the bird is alarmed, 
or is about taking wing, though this it frequently does 
without making any attempt at calling out. The odd name 
of Squacco, which this bird bears, is said to have been 
given to it by the natives about Bologna, in Italy: I con¬ 
jecture from some fancied resemblance to its note. 
The nest is said to be built on trees. 
Male; length, about one foot five or from that to one 
foot seven inches; bill, pale bluish green for nearly two 
thirds from the base, darker in colour towards the point; 
