THE AMERICAN COOT 97 



in the fall and return early in the spring. They are 

 usually found nesting in the marshes along our streams, 

 lakes, and other similar places. 



Key to the Families of Paludicolae 



MEGALORNiTHiDiE — Crancs. 



With the hind toe small and much elevated. 



Rallid^ — Rails, Coots, and Gallinules. 



With the hind toe long and nearly on a level with the other toes, 

 the tail feathers soft, very short, and almost hidden. 



Aramid^ — ^Limpkins. 



With the hind toe longf and nearly on a level with the other toes, 

 but with the tail feathers stiffish and well developed. 



Foot of Coot 



