126 



MARSH AND SWAMP BIRDS. 



No. 132. 



Mud Hen. AHERICAN COOT. 



Genus: Fulica. 



Species: F. americana. 



Distribution: 



A rare spring and common fall visitor, breeding northward. 



Date of Arrival: 



April, going north. 



Date of Departure: 



September, through October. 



General Plumage: 



Slaty blue, dark above, pale below, wings and under tail 

 coverts white marked. Immature, under parts paler, upper 

 brownish. Bill white, marked with brown, feet and legs 

 greenish black. Length about 15.00. 



Song and Other Notes: 

 A '' hoarse kruk." 



Haunts: 



Marshes, reed-covered creeks. 



