328 



GEALLATORES, OR WADING BIRDS. 



taste and marsli-like odour. Three species are known, only one 

 of whicli is found in this country — namely, the Bald Coot [Fulica 

 atra), the Foulque macroule of French naturalists, very common in 

 the north of France, and all quarters of the Old and New World ; 

 the Crested Coot {F. cristata), a native of Madagascar, but some- 

 times a visitor to the South of Europe, and differing very little 

 from the Common Coot, but distinguished from it by the red and 

 prominent bony protuberances at the top of the frontal plate ; and 

 the Blue Coot, which is described as an inhabitant of Portugal. 



The Glareola, or Sea Partridge {Glareola percUx), has the bill 

 short and curved, the tarsi long and slender, the middle toe 

 joined to the outer by a small membrane, the wings long and 



Fig. 121. — Colhired Glareola (Hirunclo prantincula, Linti.). 



pointed, the tail forked. They live in flocks on the banks of 

 the Danube, the Volga, and on the shores of the Black and 

 Caspian Seas. They feed on worms, water-insects, and especially 

 locusts, which they catch on the wing. 



The Jacanas or Parr.e are characterised by a straight and 



