THE HERON. . 213

and pointed; the plumage is a mixture of black, white, and
grey, the wings and back being of the latter colour, the
sides of the breast and body a deep black, which also spots
the fore part of the neck, while parts of the head, neck,
breast, and wings are pure white; the head is adorned with
a pendent crest of black feathers; the female is destitute of
this long crest, having only a short dusky plume, and her
plumage is in general grey. She lays from four to six eggs,
of a pale greenish-blue colour, the nest being built on trees,
with sticks, and lined with grass, or wool. Herons reside
on the banks of rivers and lakes, or in marshes; their food
consists of fishes, frogs, and field-mice, insects, snails, and
worms ; they build in large societies. Herons inhabit Africa
and Asia, migrating from the colder countries, but remaining
stationary in temperate climates, such as England. There
are numerous species and varieties of this bird, both in the
eastern and western hemispheres.

The Great White Heron (Herodias alba) may be easily
known from the common species, by its white plumage ; it is
also rather smaller, the.tail and legs longer, and it is des-
titute of a crest. This species is far less numerous ; though
generally inhabiting the same countries, it is rarely seen in
England.