FLORIDA GALLINULE 
219. Gallinula galeata. 13 in. 
Bill and crown plate, red, tipped with yellow; legs 
greenish with a red ring around the top; plumage gray 
changing to blackish on the head and neck. Florida 
Gallinules are very noisy, especially during the mating 
and breeding season, and marshes in the south, where 
they breed by hundreds, fairly ring with their cries, 
chuckles and squawks. They have an almost endless 
variety of notes but all of them are harsh and explosive. 
At times they appear to be stupid, and allow anyone to 
approach im a boat, near enough to touch them with an 
oar. When frightened, and with no protecting rushes 
to conceal them, they will rush off over the grass and 
water, with much spattering and squawking. 
Nest.—Usually fastened in the marsh grass or flags 
above water; made of rushes and grass; the eggs are 
similar to those of the Purple Gallinule but are duller. 
Range.—Breeds north to southern New England, On- 
tario, Minnesota and Oregon; winters in southern U. S. 
