WATER-RAIL. 319 



and anxiously look for the reappearance of their bearers, when 

 they scramble back over the parent's tail. There is no proof 

 that they are carried down under the old bird's wing. 



The head and upper parts are dark greyish brown, almost 

 black, in summer ; the chin and breast are black, but the cheeks, 

 throat, and sides of the neck are warm chestnut, and the flanks 

 are brown. The under parts below the breast are variable, 

 blackish but with a silky, silvery sheen which gives the impres- 

 sion of grey. The bill is brownish horn, pale at the tip and 

 base, and a fold of skin at the gape is greenish yellow. The legs 

 are dark olive, and the irides dark brown. The upper parts 

 are lighter and browner in winter, and the under parts, including 

 the lower face, are silvery white, suffused with brown on the 

 lower neck and breast. Young birds have dusky streaks on the 

 head and are an even lighter brown. Length, 10 ins. Wing, 4 ins. 

 Tarsus, 1-25 ins. 



Order RALLIFORMES. 



Family RALLID^E. 



Short, rounded wings ; bills variable ; feet large ; toes long, 

 with (Moorhen, Coot) or without swimming membrane (Rails). 



Water-Rail. Rallus aquaiicus Linn. 



Owing to its secretive habits so little is known about the 

 Water-Rail (Plate 138) that its real status is uncertain. That 

 some migrate is clear, but whether those which breed remain 

 to winter or emigrate is unknown ; as, however, birds frequently 

 strike the lanterns, sometimes when travelling in parties, I 

 believe that there is regular passage migration, but reserve an 

 open mind about permanent residence and winter visitation. 

 The Water-Rail is present at all seasons throughout England, 



