36 



RAIL TRIBE 



barring of the scapulars and white lower surface. The chick is black 

 with green reflections. 



The little crake, which may be roughly compared to a diminutive 

 corn-crake with a few white streaks on the back, is a rare visitor to 

 England, appearing chiefly in the spring and autumn migrations, 

 although it is possible that an occasional pair may stay to breed, and 

 it is stated to have been taken in winter. As with so many of our 

 rare migrants, Norfolk is the county where this species is most 

 frequently seen, but it has been taken as far west as Devon, Somerset, 



iii^BS^SSSSUL 



MOUNTED IN THE ROWLAND WARD &TUDIO& 



LITTLE CRAKE. 



and Cornwall, and as far north as Yorkshire. A bird referred to this 

 species was once taken in Scotland, and there is one record of its 

 occurrence in Ireland. The eggs of the little crake are of an unusual 

 type of colouring, having a buff or yellowish ground, almost completely 

 concealed by markings of various shades of reddish brown. In habits 

 the little crake is essentially a marsh-bird, which in countries where it 

 is abundant may be seen running over the leaves of water-lilies, in 

 search of water-insects and larvae. It can swim, and has a compara- 

 tively strong flight. The weight of this species, like that of the next, 

 is only 2 oz. 



