62 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS. 



'A. B.,' who, writing on February i6, 1832, says: — 

 * Recently a specimen of the Water Rail {Rallus 

 aqjtaticiis) was received from Berkshire, every feather 

 of which was of a pure white. The rich coral colour 

 of the beak formed a singular and beautiful contrast 

 to the delicate hue of the plumage. The specimen 

 was sent for preservation to Mr. Leadbeater, to whom 

 I am indebted for the information.' 



Mr. Morris records having seen the Water Rail near 

 East Garston. 



Moorhen {Gallimda chloropus). Local name, 

 Water-hen. A common species, frequenting the banks 

 of streams and rivers, ornamental waters, and large 

 ponds. 



The Moorhen is very nimble on land, and I have 

 often detected it by the white under-tail feathers 

 bobbing up and down as it walked along at some 

 distance, without which distinction it would appear 

 like a rook or jackdaw at the distance of several 

 hundred yards. 



This bird often perches and roosts in trees ; I once 

 found a nest in Ditton Park, placed in a tree, three or 

 four feet above the surface of the water. 



Family — LOBIPEDID^. 



Common Coot {Ftdica atra). Local name. Bald 

 Coot. A common bird on most ponds and lakes 

 in both counties, but it is not so numerous as the 



