COURLANS—Family Aramide 
LIMPKIN 
207. Aramus vociferus. 27 in. 
These singular birds are the connecting link between 
the cranes and the rails. They are rarely seen in flocks, 
usually living a secluded life in pairs. They are often 
known as the “erying bird,” because of the peculiar 
wailing cries that they utter, both in daytime and after 
nightfall. They are great skulkers, and it is difficult 
to make them fly ; when they do take wing, it is only to 
go a few rods before dropping into the shelter of the 
reeds again. They can run rapidly, having a peculiar 
mincing gait, that is said to have given them the name 
of Limpkin. 
Notes.—A peculiar wailing ‘* whee-ee-eu.” 
Nest.—A loosely constructed platform of sticks, leaves, 
‘ass and moss, located a few feet from the ground in 
tangled underbrush or vines. The 4 to 7 eggs are butty 
white, blotched with brown (2.30x 1.70) ; April, May. 
Range.—Breeds and is resident in Southern Florida, 
and casually Texas. 
