Genus LXXX. GALLINULA. GALLINULB. 



Species I. G. MARTINICA. 



MARTINICO GALLINULE.* 



[Plate LXXIII. Fig. 2.] 



GalUnula Martinica, Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 769, 9. Gen. Si/n. in., p. 255, 7, pi. 88. — 

 FtiUca Martinica^ Linn. Syst. ed. 12, i., p. 259, 7. — Fulica Martinicensis, Gmel. 

 Syst. p. 700, 7. — La petite Poule-Sultane, Briss. Orn. v., p. 526, pi. 42, fig. 2. — 

 Buff. Ois. viti., p. 206. — La Favourite de Cayenne, PI. Enl. No. 897, young? 



This splendid bird is a native of the southern parts of the continent 

 of North America. I have never learned that it migrates as far north 

 as Virginia, though it is probable that it may be occasionally seen in 

 that state. It makes its appearance, in the Sea-islands of Georgia, in 

 the latter part of April ; and after spending the summer, it departs, 

 with its young, in the autumn. The marshes of Mexico appear to be 

 its winter residence. It frequents the rice fields and fresh-water ponds, 

 in company with the Common Gallinule ; but the latter, being of a more 

 hardy nature, remains all winter, both in Georgia and Florida. 



During its migration, this bird is frequently driven to sea, and I have 

 known two or three instances of its having sought refuge on board of 

 vessels. On the 24th May, 1824, a brig arrived at Philadelphia, from 

 New Orleans, bringing a fine living specimen, which had flown on board 

 of her in the Gulf Stream. 



In the month of August, 1818, a storm drove another individual on 

 board of a vessel, in her passage from Savannah to Philadelphia. This 

 also lived for some time in Peale's Museum. 



The Martinico Gallinule is a vigorous and active bird. It bites hard, 

 and is quite expert in the use of its feet. When it seizes upon any 

 substance with its toes, it requires a considerable effort to disengage it. 

 Its toes are long, and spread greatly. It runs with swiftness ; and, 

 when walking, it jerks its tail in the manner of the Common Rail. Its 

 manners and food are somewhat similar to those of the far-famed Purple 

 Gallinule, whose history is so beautifully detailed in the works of 

 Buffon. 



* Named in the plate Pur|ile Gallinule. 



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