Indian Birds 



A beautiful purple-blue bird with very long 

 red legs. The bill is red, as is a square shield 

 which the bird carries on its forehead. It has 

 a white patch under its tail. It is impossible 

 to mistake this bird. There is none other like 

 unto it in India. One frequently comes across 

 it when out shooting. 



176. Fulica atra : The Coot. (F. 1405), 

 (J. 903), (IV.) 



This is the most duck-like of all the rails, and 

 indeed is very frequently shot and eaten as 

 a duck by inexperienced sportsmen. However, 

 its shining black plumage and its white bill 

 and shield on the forehead serve to differ- 

 entiate it from all Indian ducks. Moreover, 

 when disturbed on the water, it experiences 

 some difficulty in starting to fly. It runs along 

 the surface of the water for a few feet with 

 vigorous flappings of the wings and much 

 splashing before it succeeds in lifting itself out 

 of the water. It does not usually keep in flocks 

 as ducks do. It breeds in India. It does not 

 swim so high in the water as a duck. Its feet 

 are not webbed, but its toes are pinnate, i.e. 

 provided with flattened membranes which 

 assist it in swimming. Its bill is not so flat 

 as that of a duck. 



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