THE SWAMP HEN 191 



Genus Porpliijrio. 



Bill short, elevated at the base, which is flat and dilated on the 

 forehead. Second to the fourth quills longest. Toes very long, 

 free at the base, the hind toe long. The warmer parts of the 

 eastern hemisphere. 



Swamp Hen. 



The Sw^amp Hen. — Pukeko or Pakura. 



Forphyrio melanonotns. 



Above, deep black; breast, indigo blue; abdomen, black; under tail 

 coverts, wMte. Eye crimson. Length of the wing, 10 in.; of the tarsus, 

 3.6 in. Egg — Greyish brown, with dots and blotches of grey and 

 brownish violet; length, 2.2 in. Both Islands. Also Australia, Norfolk 

 Island, Lord Howe Island, and New Guinea. 



The swamp hen is generally known by its Maori name, 



pukeko. " It is a handsome and graceful rail. Its nest of grass 



is built in swamps, and is sometimes found quite surrounded by 



