558 BRITISH BIRDS. 
54 inches ; whilst those from America are on an average larger, the length 
of wing varying from 72 to 6} inches. . 
_ Few birds are better known than the Waterhen, Moorhen, or Gallinule, 
as it is called in different localities. It is a resident in our islands, 
and almost every pool where the banks are sufficiently covered with vege- 
tation to afford it shelter is mhabited by its pair of birds. Where the con- 
ditions are favourable the Moorhen is very numerous, and a score or more 
of these birds may often be seen swimming together. It is most partial 
to large ponds, especially if they are full of weeds, and slow-running rivers 
the courses of which are overgrown with aquatic vegetation of different 
kinds. It does not occur very commonly on swift-flowing streams, but a 
few pairs may generally be observed on those portions where the water is 
still, especially if there be a few small islands covered with tall grass and 
weeds in which they can find shelter and suitable breeding-places. In 
many localities the Waterhen lives in a semi-domesticated state. On 
many fish-ponds and ornamental waters it is so tame as to scarcely take 
any notice of man; but it never loses its habitual wariness altogether, 
for should any strange object appear, especially a dog, it will hurry off 
at once to the water or take refuge amongst the reeds. It soon be- 
comes accustomed to different sounds, and may be seen paddling about 
close to the mill-wheel, or sittimg quietly on the water within a few yards 
of the passing railway-train. 
The Waterhen is as graceful in its movements on the land as it is in the 
water, and it is a pretty sight to watch several birds early in the morning 
or a little before dusk walking gracefully about the meadows or the 
smooth turf-covered banks of the water. They invariably make their 
appearance on land after a shower of rain, to search the grass for food 
in company with Blackbirds, Starlings, and Thrushes. It walks about 
slowly and sedately, sometimes running forward a few steps to catch an 
insect, and its short tail is jerked up and down every few moments. The 
Waterhen is by far the most frequently seen in the water, where it swims 
with the greatest ease, notwithstanding the fact that its feet are not webbed. 
It progresses in a peculiar manner, bobbing its head backwards and for- 
wards, and every now and then diving in search of food or at the approach 
of danger. It may often be seen running nimbly over the floating masses 
of reeds and decaying vegetation, its long toes supporting it on the 
treacherous surface. The Waterhen is often seen to chase its mate through 
the water or splash about for amusement. It often floats quite motion- 
less for several minutes in succession, as if intently listening for the 
approach of an enemy. When its alarm subsides it may be watched 
swimming about, every now and then picking an insect from the surface 
or snapping at one as it passes by in the air. If alarmed when swimming 
the bird usually dives under the surface at once, so quickly as often to 
