THE VIRGINIA R VII* 



No. 198. 



VIRGINIA RAIL. 



A. O. I . No. 212. Rallus virginianus Linn. 



Description. — Adult: An almost exact miniature of the preceding species 

 1 (/. v.); generally coloration perhaps more strongly rufous; blackish barring of 

 Inner parts more restricted; sides of head ashy gray; bill red, darker above. Im- 

 mature birds show blackish more extensively on lower parts. Length 8.00-10.50 

 ( 203.2-266.7) ; wing 4.15 ( 105.4) ; tail 2.00 (50.8) ; bill 1.50 (38.1) ; tarsus 1.33 

 ( 33.8 1 ; middle toe and claw 1.78 1 45.2 1. 



Recognition Marks. — Robin size (to appearance); marsh-prowling habits. 

 '1 he lorn;- reddish bill and rufous coloration serve to distinguish this bird from 

 the following species. 



Nest, of sedge and grasses in tussock of swamp. Eggs, 6-12, pale buffy or 

 creamy white (of noticeablj lighter coloration than those of the succeeding 

 species); spotted and doited with reddish brown and obscure lilac. Av. size. 

 1.25 x .95 (31.8 x 24.1). 



General Range. — North America from the British Provinces south to Guate- 

 mala and Cuba. 



Range in Ohio. — Rather common summer resident; more common northerly, 

 rare in extreme southern portion of state. Nowhere so common as the next 

 species. 



