566 BRITISH BIRDS. 
progresses in a similar manner to the Waterhen, and when alarmed will 
often run with great speed to the nearest cover. Sometimes it takes wing 
and alights on the water with a heavy plunge, diving at once, and pro- 
eressing under water to the reeds, remaining in such a position for a con- 
siderable time, with only the point of its bill out of the water. It is a 
very sociable bird, and may be seen in parties at all times of the year, but 
it congregates in the largest numbers in winter. It is fond of the society 
of other water-birds, and by its presence and great wariness adds con- 
siderably to the safety of the whole flock. It may frequently be seen 
walking gracefully about the mud islands in tidal rivers, and when winged 
often runs with surprising quickness, concealing itself in an old wall or 
amongst the gnarled roots of trees. The Coot may occasionally be seen 
perched in trees, and it sometimes ascends them, leaping from branch to 
branch with as much ease as a gallinaceous bird. It sometimes roosts in 
trees, and has been known to repair to them to feed on berries. It 
generally sleeps on the water; but if this is not convenient it repairs to the 
land, choosing the highest portions, where it is better able to discern ny 
danger or become aware of its approach. 
The food of the Coot is composed of very small fish, aquatic insects, and 
tender shoots, buds, and seeds of water-plants; and upon the land it eats 
great quantities of common meadow-grass, small shells, slugs, and worms, . 
which it finds amongst the aquatic vegetation and the grass near its haunt. 
It eats grain readily, but will seldom or never come near to farmhouses 
or enter stackyards to obtain it, but picks it up from the new-sown 
lands or stubbles. It obtains much of its food by diving. The ery of the 
Coot is loud and plaintive, sometimes a single note, but frequently 
repeated several times. It is a clear bell-like 40, not unlike the cry of the 
Golden Plover. 
The Coot is a rather late breeder, and its eggs are seldom laid before 
- the beginning of May, sometimes later, according to the state of the season. 
The nest is sometimes built on the dry land amongst tangled reeds and 
grass on the banks of the water ; but more frequently it is placed in shallow 
water amongst flags and tall rushes, the foundation being commenced 
under the surface. It is often placed on the margin of the water on small 
islands. The nest is a large bulky structure, sometimes as much as two 
feet in height, this varying according to the depth of the water. In some 
cases it is a floating structure, anchored safely to the surrounding reeds, 
or built on a large mass of rushes that have been broken by the wind and 
lie on the surface of the water. The outside is generally made of coarse 
flags, reeds, dead leaves, and portions of aquatic plants ; and as it approaches 
completion finer materials are used, and the lining generally consists of 
dry reed-leaves. The eggs are from six to twelve in number, seven or 
eight being an average clutch. They are buffish white or stone-colour, 
