a 
GALLINULA CHLOROPUS. 623 
Senor Anchieta has forwarded specimens from Mossamedes and 
the Rio Coroca (native name “ Kitudi’”’). 
The entire plumage (with the exception of the head and neck, 
which are quite black) is a dull, dark slate colour; bill livid; 
frontal shield pure white, and surmounted by two singular knobs of 
a deep reddish chestnut colour, which shrivel up and become quite 
brown in death; irides red; legs green, with a pink garter just 
under the feathers of the thigh. Length, 16"; wing, 93”; tail, 24”. 
Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. vii. pl. 504, fig. 1. 
600. GatiinuLa cHLororus (L.). Moor-hen. 
The “ Waterhen” or “Moorhen” is not uncommon in the 
colony, frequenting the same places as the Crested Coot. Most 
of the specimens received by us came from Mr. Atmore, who shot 
them about Swellendam. It is common at Zoetendals Vley, where 
he met with itin November. Mr. T. Atmore also found it breeding 
about Grahamstown. 
Mr. Gurney has recorded the Moorhen from Natal, and Mr. Ayres 
found it frequenting the reedy banks of the Mooi River, but not 
plentiful. 
Mr. Barratt met with it near Pretoria in December, and along 
the Orange River, as well as in the Transvaal as far as Lydenburg. 
Mr. Ayres has also shot the species close to Potchefstroom. 
Mr. Andersson observes :—‘ This species is common in all suitable 
localities in Damara Land and the adjacent countries. It breeds 
in February and March, usually forming its nest amongst the rank 
vegetation bordering on its favourite resorts, which are stagnant 
pools and other still waters overgrown with weeds and aquatic 
plants. This species swims and dives with great expertness, and 
may be observed nodding its head first on one side and then on the 
other as it swims in the more open parts of the water, picking up 
vegetable substances, insects, and other food as it passes onwards. 
In the early morning and in the evening it may be seen away from 
the water searching amongst the grass for worms, slugs, and larvae, 
in addition to which it also feeds on grass and seeds. When on 
land it frequently twitches and jerks its tail, exhibiting the white 
under-coverts; and if suddenly disturbed will occasionally take 
wing for a short distance, flying with its long legs hanging down- 
ward ; but more frequently prefers to seek its safety by running to, 
