. American ornithology, or, The natural history of the birds of the United States [microform]. Birds; Oiseaux. 884 PEALE'S EGRET ITEUON. i' . h. even small tnaminalia. They often stand motionless on the margins of ponds or marshes, concealed by the tall grass and weeds, with the neck so bent as to rest the head on the back, waiting patiently for their prey to pass within their reach, when they dart forward their sharp bill with inevitable aim : but when tired of this, which is often unsuccessful, they overcome their natural indolence so far as to move slowly through the mud or water, stirring
. American ornithology, or, The natural history of the birds of the United States [microform]. Birds; Oiseaux. 884 PEALE'S EGRET ITEUON. i' . h. even small tnaminalia. They often stand motionless on the margins of ponds or marshes, concealed by the tall grass and weeds, with the neck so bent as to rest the head on the back, waiting patiently for their prey to pass within their reach, when they dart forward their sharp bill with inevitable aim : but when tired of this, which is often unsuccessful, they overcome their natural indolence so far as to move slowly through the mud or water, stirring up as they walk by means of their long toes the frogs or fishes that may be lurking in such places. Timid and cowardly to a great degree, the smallest Ilawk will turn their flight and often master them, though capable of inflicting a dangerous blow with .'leir powerful beak. They build in companies in high trees, laying about four eggs. The parents are, to a proverb, tender of their ofispring, and carefully provide for them during the long time that they require their assistance. Their voice is loud, hoarse, and monotonous, and heard chiefly at night, when most of them are in motion. Their flight is full of grace, and is performed with the neck bent backwards, and the head resting against the back. .. The numerous species of this genus are dispersed over all climates and countries excepting the very coldest. In no group does the size vary to the same extent, as is exemplified in the American species by the gigantic Ardea herodias and diminutive Ardea exilis. Tlie Herons properly so called, forming our subgenus Ardea, of which the group Egretla is a subdivision, have the bill much longer than the head, at base as broad, or even broader than high, and (juito straight. Their neck is very long, slender, and ornamented beneath with slender, elongated, pendent plumes: their flanks are thin, their legs very long, and have an extensive naked space above the heel. They are more diurnal
Size: 1077px × 2320px
Photo credit: © Library Book Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, booksubjectbirds, booksubjectois
