134° SYNOPSIS AND ALPHABETICAL TNDESS 
to. MOORHEN (WATER-HEN) 
(Pages 52-53, 91-92, 105-107, 109-112) 
Gallinula chloropus (one of the Macrodactyles—long- 
toed birds—as the rails, coot, etc.). Common, pre- 
ferring still waters and slow streams. (Moor and 
Water are from the places in which the bird lives, 
and hen from its domestic habits). Known: By its 
general black plumage (when seen from a distance, 
see below), with a little white showing in wings and 
under the tail. By its beak which is greenish-yellow, 
and red where it joins the head, and a red mark running 
up the front of the head (the red is less marked in the 
female). Also by its green legs tipped red at the knee, 
its nodding head when swimming, and its mode of flight, 
which is low, rapid and straight, and when over the water 
close to it, with its legs hanging out behind and leaving 
a trail in the water. Also by its note, generally a single 
croak coming from where the bird is concealed. It is 
not shy by nature, but if much pursued becomes so, 
often diving (to get away from dogs) and holding on to 
the water weeds with only its beak protruding, and 
therefore not io be found. Also makes extensive runs 
in the rushes, etc., from which even the best of dogs 
may fail to dislodge it. Fond of living in communities, 
but ‘get up’ only one or two at a time when hunted. 
(The coot resembles the moorhen, but the former is 
