196 SYNOPSIS AND ALPHABERICAE- INDEX 
bluish-green, spotted and streaked, and blotched dull 
purple-brown. Four or five. 
5 ~GOOE 
(Pages 122-120) 
Fulica atra. (Lat., fulica, a coot, and atra, black. 
Dutch, oet). One of the grallatorial (long-legged, wad- 
ing) birds of the family Rallide (Rails). A black water 
bird much resembling the moorhen (which see, Part I), 
but is larger and plumper, and distinguished from it at 
once, even at a distance, by its white or ‘ bald’ forehead, 
the mark contrasting strongly with its dark plumage. 
Syn.: ‘Bald coot’ (from the mark just mentioned). 
Found: In various parts, where there is suitable wet 
ground and water, but local. Frequents marshy and 
boggy places, but prefers stagnant or slow-running 
waters, ponds, etc., and where there are many veeds and 
rushes for cover. Habits: Shy, and hides at once if 
approached. Swims, dives and wades, but also walks 
in meadows, etc., and can climb trees (claws strong and 
hooked). Not migratory: Except during frost to tidal 
rivers, mud flats and the sea coast. Many winter visitors 
from the Continent. Flight: Heavy, much like moor- 
hen, legs stretched out behind. Length: 17 inches 
(about). Note: A single ‘ krawk’ (like the moorhen’s), 
said to be uttered more just before wet and stormy 
weather. Flesh: Edible. Food: Water insects, fish, 
