324 BIRDS OF DAMABA LAND. 



favourite resorts, which are stagnant pools and other 

 still waters overgrown with weeds and aquatic plants. 



A nest taken by me on 18th February contained two 

 eggs. 



Another, taken 24th February, contained four eggs. 



2nd March, contained two eggs. 



4th ,, „ three ,, 



5th „ „ four ,, 



18th „ „ two „ 



19th ,, „ three „ 



This species swims and dives with great expertness, 

 and may be observed nodding its head first on one side 

 and then on the other as it swims in the more open 

 parts of the water, picking up vegetable substances, 

 insects, and other food as it passes onwards. In the 

 early morning and in the evening it may be seen away 

 from the water searching amongst the grass for worms, 

 slugs, and larvae, in addition to which it also feeds on 

 grass and seeds. When on land it frequently twitches 

 and jerks the tail, exhibiting the white under-co verts ; 

 and if suddenly disturbed will occasionally take wing for 

 a short distance, flying with its long legs hanging down- 

 ward, but more frequently prefers to seek its safety by 

 running to, and concealing itself in, the nearest suitable 

 reedy or marshy thicket. 



In the adult bird the shield on the forehead is sealing- 

 wax red ; the bill a darker red, except the tips of the 

 mandibles, which are greenish yellow. 



The feet are green, as are also the legs, with the 

 exception of a red garter, shading into yellow at the 



