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BULLETIN 5 0, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 



tudinal) scales; upper surface of toes with a continuous series of 

 regular transverse scutella ; lateral membranes of toes very broad, the 

 segments conspicuously convex, their lateral lobes with transverse 

 scutella similar to those on top of toes; claw of outer toe sometimes 

 reaching to base of middle claw, but usually falling short of the 



Figure 14. — Fulica americana. 



latter; inner toe decidedly shorter than outer; hallux (without claw) 

 about as long as basal phalanx of outer toe; claws moderate in size, 

 very slightly curved, especially that of middle toe. 



Plwniage and coloration. — Plumage of head and neck short, dense, 

 and very soft, the head completely feathered, except where occupied 

 by frontal shield ; plumage of body, etc., full, dense, and rather coarse ; 



