THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



141 



and perch freely, readily climbing among vegetation. 

 They can all apparently swim, and generally dive, 

 and the Coots (F//^/c«), which have the toes fringed 

 with skin, are as aquatic as ducks. 

 Flight. — Steady and direct, performed by rapid 

 flaps, with the neck and legs outstretched, the 

 latter drooping down at first in a very characteristic 

 way. They rise awkwardly, and never fly if they 

 can help it, although often able to travel long 



Head and foot of Rail (White-breasted Water-hen). 



distances. There are several flightless species 



with short soft wings ; more, in fact, in this family 



than in any other. 

 Note. — Various, usually harsh, a croak, cackle, shriek 



or booming sound. 

 Disposition and Habits. — They are intelligent, wary, 



and courageous ; usually they keep much to 



swampy cover, and are most commonly alone or 



in pairs. 

 Economic Qualities. — Many are good for food, a 



few occasionally destructive to crops and other 



