186 RALULIDAG 
latter we do not find it lurking about damp ditches, moist 
pasture-lands, or hiding in a covert of brambles, for, 
even when suspicious of danger, it seldom quits the water. 
It prefers to take refuge among the tall sedges and 
other aquatic plants. Even when undisturbed it does 
not venture as a rule far from the water’s edge, albeit 
it is active on foot and its gait, though slower than that 
of the Water-hen, is easy and graceful. Thus on land 
its movements are markedly different from those of the 
Ducks and other web-footed birds with which it often 
associates; but observed on the water at a short distance 
it might be mistaken for a dark-coloured Duck; for 
Fig. 25.—COOT. 
unlike the Rails and Water-hen it is not narrow and 
gaunt-looking, but as it swims, which it does with no less 
ease and buoyancy than a Duck, its body appears full 
and rounded. The Coot is also a capable diver. Large 
ponds, lakes, and deep slow-flowing rivers, thickly fringed 
with reeds and bulrushes, are its favourite resorts; but 
in hard weather this species betakes itself to salt-water 
estuaries, Where in company with sea-fowl, it may be 
seen congregated in hundreds. Flocks may also be 
observed on large sheets of inland water, such as the 
Norfolk ‘ Broads,’ and Slapton Ley in Devon, where battue- 
shooting is still practised and large numbers killed. At their 
breeding-places, e.g., on many of the large lakes of Ireland, 
Coots are also gregarious. 
