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Order VII. GRALL.E,
Family II. ArdeiDvE.
The third Subfamily,
ARDEINiE, or Herons,
have the Bill more or less lengthened, and generally acute, with the gape extending beneath each eye ;
the Nostrils placed in the lateral groove, with the opening usually longitudinal, and partly closed by a
membrane : the Wings usually long, and the first quills more or less graduated : the Tail short and
even : the Tarsi long, slender, and covered with transverse scutellations or reticulated scales : the Toes
long, and more or less slender ; the outer toe usually united at the base ; sometimes both toes are
united at the base for some distance.
EURYPYGA III.*
Bill long, rather slender, straight, with the culmen straight but slight, bent at the tip, which is
emarginated ; the nostrils lateral, basal, and placed in a deep groove which extends two thirds of the
length of the bill, with the opening linear, and partly closed by a membrane. Wings long and ample,
with the third and fourth quills equal and longest. Tail long, broad, and slightly rounded. Tarsi
longer than the midddle toe, slender, and covered in front with transverse scales. Toes long and slender ;
the outer toe longer than the inner, and united by a membrane ; the latter one is free at the base ; the
hind toe short and rather elevated ; the claws short and curved.
The species are found in the warmer parts of South America, where they frequent the inundated places and borders
of rivers. Their flight is continuous and rapid ; and they are also capable of running, especially in sandy places, with
great agility. The crops of those specimens which have been examined were found to contain small crustaceous
animals ; but these birds are also supposed to feed on fish and other kinds of animals that are found in the margins of
running streams. It is among the interlaced and low branches of trees, within five or six feet of the marshy ground,
that the nest is formed with mud. The female lays two eggs.