56 How to foiow the Indian Waders.

The Grey Night Heron is found practically all over the
world except in South America and Australia. In our
region it is local, but not rare. It is very sociable in a dis-
agreeable way ; the birds doze or quarrel all day at home
on the trees they select, and at nightfall go out to feed in
parties ; their presence, as they pass overhead at night, is
often made known by their unmistakable croak, which is
well expressed by the first native name quoted. Another
of these names notices the birds' resemblance to a crow,
and no doubt this species is the night raven of poets—
a bird which was indeed supposed to only exist by virtue
of poetic licence.

Night Herons breed on trees or reeds, and lay four or
five pale sea-green eggs, about two inches long. The usual
breeding season is in July and August, but it may be as
early as March in Kashmir. The birds have bred for years
in a free state in the Calcutta Zoological Gardens, where
their numbers have constituted quite a nuisance, as they
are most difficult to drive away even when shot at until
many have been killed. In moderate numbers they are a
decided acquisition for a public park, as their habits are
most interesting to watch, and they get very tame.

In the London Zoological Gardens they have bred well
in confinement, and I have even seen one eat soaked
bread', when it had to swim to get it. I have seen the
wild birds in Calcutta settle in^water to pick up sticks
when nesting, so that this bird would evidently not find
it hard to take to the ways of a gull.

The Night Heron is one of those birds which would be
found' at home if it were let alone; for no less than three
pairs have been killed at one place and time in England
by one of those unscientific vandals who are dignified by
the title of »enthusiastic local naturalists/'