NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS, 17] 
September During the summer months it is widely distributed 
throughout the British Islands, wherever grass-land and cultivated 
fields are to be found. Owing to its retiring habits it is seldom seen ; 
but the harsh call-note of the male must be familiar to most people. 
Slugs, insects and worms, as well as seeds, ete., form the principal food 
The nest, composed of picces of dry plants, is placed on the ground 
among grass, clover, or standing crops. From seven to ten buff- 
coloured eggs, spotted with pale lavender and reddish-brown, are laid 
about the end of May. 
The plant with the yellow flower is the Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus 
pratensis). 
Perthshire, June. 
Presented hy W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esq. 
No. 93. COOT. (Fulica atra.) 
This resident species is found in most of the lakes, ponds and 
sluggish streams throughout the British Islands, but, in severe 
weather, it migrates to the sea-coast. Its food consists of aquatic 
insects, worms, molluses, and vegetable substances. The nest, a deep 
compact mass of dry reeds and sedges, is generally placed above 
shallow water, among flags and tall rushes. The eggs, from seven to 
ten in number, are buff-colour, with small spots of blackish-brown, 
Hampshire, May. 
Presented by Sir Edward Shelley, Bart. 
No. 94. MOORHEN. (Gallinula chloropus.) 
This species, also known as the Waterhen, is a common resident 
throughout the British Islands, wherever the reedy margins of lakes, 
ponds, or running water afford suitable shelter. It swims well, and 
feeds chiefly on slugs, worms, and insects, but will also lall and devour 
the young of other waterfowl. The nest, a compactly built structure 
of dry flags and sedges, is usually situated in shallow water among reeds 
and other aquatic plants, but it is occasionally placed on branches of 
overhanging trees and at a considerable height above the water. The 
eggs, from seven to nine in number, are pale buff, spotted with reddish- 
brown and dull lilac. 
Leicestershire, May. 
Presented by Theodore Walker, Esq. 
2N 
