208 



WADING BIRDS. 



uated at a distance from the sea, a route by which, in all 

 probability, they proceed in a solitary and desultory manner 

 towards the milder regions of the south. At this time also, 

 they often roost among the reeds^ by ponds, in company 

 with the different kinds of black birds, clinffincr, no doubt, to 

 the fallen stalks, on which they pass the night over the water. 

 They swim and dive also, with ease and elegance; but like 

 their whole tribe, of Long-Footed Birds, they are swiftest 

 on land, and, when pushed, depend upon their celerity over 

 the covered marsh as a final resort. 



The Small Mud Hen is about 10 inches in length ; and 14 in alar 

 extent. The bill near If inches long, dusky above, bright yellowish- 

 brown below. Iris red. Cheeks and stripe over the eye, ash : over 

 the lores, and at the lower eye-lid white. Crovrn, and all the upper 

 parts black, the feathers edged with olive-brown, more broadly on 

 tlie back and scapulars, which last are scarcely longer than the 

 ordinary feathers of the back. Wing coverts chestnut. Quills all 

 plain deep dusky. Chin white. Throat, breast and belly, reddish- 

 brown. Sides and vent black, with distant transverse white bars. 

 Under tail coverts white, with pale brownish edges, and oblong black 

 spots along the shafts ; shoulder of tlie wing and the feathers of its 

 lining, edged with white. Legs and feet dusky reddish-brown : the 

 tarsus 1^ inches ; the middle claw, with its nail, 1| inches-. — The 

 female is about half an inch shorter, with the breast much paler, 

 and with more white on the chin and throat. 



Subgenus. — Crex. (Bonap.) 



The hill shorter than the head, robust, much higher than wide at 

 the base, tapering, compressed, and acute at the point; upper man- 

 dible furrowed at base only, a little curved at the extremity ; lower 

 navicular ; nostrils oblong, medial. — These birds, with the aspect of 

 our domestic fowls, live as much on vegetables as animals. 



