328 RALLIDZ. 
Porphyrio martinica, Moore, P.Z.S. 1859, p. 64°; Scl. & Salv. Ibis, 1859, p. 230‘; P. Z. S. 
1868, p. 459°; v. Frantz. J. f. Orn. 1869, p. 375°; Lawr. Mem. Bost. Soc. N. H. ii. 
p- 8127; Salv. Ibis, 1870, p. 115°; 1889, p. 378°. 
Gallinula martinica, Lawr. Ann. Lyc. N. Y. vii. p. 302°; Scl. P.Z.S. 1864, p. 179”. 
Tonornis martinica, Herrera, Lia Nat. (2) i. pp. 186”, 397 8. Baird, Brew., & Ridgw. Water-Birds 
N. Amer. i. p. 38844; A. O. U. Check-list N. Amer. ‘Birds, 2nd ed. p. 80°; Bangs, Pr. N. 
Engl. Zool. Club, ii. p. 14°. 
Porphyriola martinica, Sharpe, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. xxiii. p. 189"; Salvad. & Festa, Boll. Mus. 
Torino, xiv. no. 339, p. 12°; Oates, Cat. Eggs Brit. Mus. i. p. 126”. 
Supra olivaceo-viridis, paullulum cyaneo lavata, collo postico et tectricibus alarum viridieri-cyanescentibus ; 
remigibus nigricantibus extus viridibus; capite undique et corpore subtus tote purpurascentibus, pileo et 
facie laterali purpurascenti-nigris ; abdomine et tibiis cum hypochondriis imis fuscescentioribus, nigricanti- 
purpureis ; cauda olivascenti-viridi ; subcaudalibus niveis; pectoris summi lateribus et tectricibus 
subalaribus minimis et medianis eyaneis, majoribus et remigibus intus sordide cinerascentibus : rostro 
leete rubro, ad apicem flavo ; chlamyde frontali cyanea; pedibus flavicantibus ; iride rubra. Long. tota 
circa 12-4, ale 6°6, enndse 2:8, culm. 1:2, tarsi 2°45. (Desor. maris adulti ex Costa Rica. Mus. 
nostr.) 
? haud a mari distinguenda. 
Juv. Brannea, dorso postico, uropygio et cauda nigricantibus; facie laterali et corpore subtus cervino- 
brunneis, gutture et abdomine medio tibiisque albis. 
Hab. Nortu America, South Atlantic and Gulf States, casually northward to Maine, 
New York, Wisconsin, &c. ?°—Mexico, Matamoros (Berlandier '*), Tampico 
(Richardson 1"), Valley of Mexico (Herrera * 18), city of Mexico (White™), Rio 
de Coahuayana (Xantus*), Qaxaca (Fenochio “), Cozumel I. (Gawmer ®) ; Britisu 
Honpuras, Orange Walk (Gaumer'S); GuarEMALA, lagoons near Lake Peten 
(Leyland * 4, O. S.1"), Vera Paz (0. S. & FP. D. G.1"); Honpuras, Ruatan I. 
(Gaumer 1") ; Costa Rica (Carmiol 7), Pacaca, San Mateo, Santa Clara, north of 
the Volcan de Barba (v. Mrantzius®), Laguna de Cartago (Underwood); Panama, 
Lion Hill Station (IfLeannan 1°", Brown '*), Laguna de Pita (Festa *).— 
Cotomsia 17; Guiana!?; Amazons; Ecuapor!"?; Brazin17; Wesr Inpizs 17. 
This species is found throughout the year in the Southern States of North America, 
and is probably resident in all parts’ of its widely distributed range. Specimens have, 
however, been captured in remote places and islands, thus suggesting that P. martinica 
is partially migratory. We did not find it nesting in Guatemala, but M‘Leannan sent 
us four eggs from Panama ). 
In appearance and habits this Gallinule differs considerably from the Moor-hen, 
holding itself more erect and carrying the legs more forward. The species is 
comparatively tame and may be seen, especially in the early morning, displaying its 
beautiful plumage. The light weight of the bird enables it to walk on floating leaves 
and water-plants, balancing itself by spreading its wings. Leyland says that the young 
accompany their parents and are very expert on this treacherous footing. 
The nest, resembling that of the Moor-hen, is loosely made of dead rushes, and is 
