Lacking saleable plumes the "Lady of the Waters" has escaped decimation and is the most numerous HERON we have. On land, tree or air they are agile, swift and graceful. Huxley says the male selects nest sticks and brings them to the female with a quaint greeting. When a bird is relieved at the nest it gathers some sticks and presents them to the occupant who then builds them into the nest. Sometimes a pair will intertwine necks and nibble each other's aigrettes.
NEST of twigs or dried rushes, according to locality; usually in low mangroves or bushes.
EGGS — 4 or 5; pale green.
Southern and eastern United States. Not inclined to northward migration and seldom recorded beyond normal range.