C50 GALLLNULA CHLOROPUS. 



Length to end of tail, 13^ inclies, extent of wings, 22£, 

 wing, from flexure, 7 ; tail 3-^ ; bill, along the ridge, including 

 the frontal plate, If, along the edge of lower mandible, I5-; 

 bare part of tibia, 4^ ; tarsus, 2 ; first toe, li, its claw, -^ ; 

 second toe, 1-^, its claw, -^ ; third toe, 2-^-, its claw, -^ ; 

 fourth toe, 1-f 1 , its claw, T %. 



Female. — The female differs slightly in size, being some- 

 what smaller, but the difference in the colours of the plumage 

 is inconsiderable, the head, neck, and especially the sides, 

 being merely a little paler, the black beneath the tail less 

 deep, and the abdomen with rather more white. The frontal 

 plate is much smaller. 



Length to end of tail, 12 j inches ; extent of wings, 20^ ; 

 bill and frontal plate, 1 ^ ; tarsus, 2 ; middle toe and claw, £| ; 

 hind toe and claw, 1^- ; wing, from flexure, 7 ; tail, 2^. 



Variations. — In size there is considerable difference be- 

 tween individuals, some being twelve inches in length, while 

 others are fourteen. In many the middle toe has its claw 

 obliquely truncate, while in some it is unworn and very long ; 

 and I have seen it worn on one foot and entire on the other, 

 in the same individual. In birds several years old, the tints 

 are deeper and purer, and in younger individuals the deep, 

 greyish-blue parts are more or less tinged with grey, and 

 there is more white on the abdomen. 



Changes. — As the plumage becomes old, its colours fade 

 a little, but the change produced by the Aveather is small. 

 The moult is completed by the beginning of November. In 

 spring, the frontal plate assumes a brighter tint, approaching 

 to vermilion. 



Habits. — The Water-Hen is found in all parts of Scotland 

 and England that are adapted to its nature. It frequents 

 marshy places, pools, lakes, still streams, mill-dams, and even 

 ditches, where it searches for food chiefly among the reeds 

 and other aquatic plants along the shores. It swims with 

 great ease and elegance, sitting lightly on the water, with its 



