262 LOST AND VANISHING BIRDS 



creatures should never be allowed to enter these 

 small islands at all, peopled as they are with so 

 many interesting types of avine life. 



The account of the habits of this Rail, written 

 by Dr. Abbott from personal observation during a 

 residence of three and a half months on the island, 

 are so interesting that we transcribe them in full. 

 This naturalist tells us that the bird is " very 

 common on all the islets of the Aldabra group, 

 abounding on even the smallest, which do not 

 contain more than half an acre, excepting Grand 

 Terre, where it has been exterminated by the cats, 

 which run wild there. Excessively tame and un- 

 suspicious, as well as inquisitive, they run up to 

 inspect any stranger who invades their habitat, 

 occasionally even picking at his toes. Each pair 

 seem to reserve a certain area of jungle for their 

 own use, and chase off all intruders of their own 

 kind. They are very noisy, particularly in the 

 mornings and evenings. The most common note 

 is a clear short cry, or rather whistle, repeated 

 twelve or fifteen times. While whistling, the bird 

 stands erect, with his neck full length and bill 

 elevated, seemingly greatly enjoying his own 

 musical performance. Often a pair joins in a duet, 

 the male and female standing close together facing 



