388 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX. 



American Coot. 



Length, 14.75; wing, 7-45; tail, 2.30; bill, from front edge of 

 frontal plate, 1.40. 



The Coot or Mud-hen, as it is often called, is a common summer 

 resident in Wisconsin and Illinois, breeding in suitable localities. 

 It may always be distinguished from the Gallinule by the peculiar 

 lobate or scalloped webs on the toes. It breeds in May and early 

 June. The nest is built in a marsh or swampy place in the vicinity 

 of ponds and small lakes and is composed of reeds and grass. The 

 eggs vary in number from 9 to 14. They are pale buff or buffy white, 

 finely speckled with dark brown, and measure about 1.85 x 1.28 

 inches. 



