BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 75 



time to time in various counties, but it has not been 

 recorded as found breeding. Although called " Little,'* 

 it is rather larger than the next species. Generally 

 the plumage is olive-brown above (hence its other name, 

 Olivaceous Gallinule) and slate-grey below. In habits it 

 resembles the other members of this family. Its note 

 is a loud " kik " two or three times repeated. 



BAILLON'S CRAKE {Porzana hailloni). 



A rare visitor, usually in spring and autumn, and 

 has been observed in several counties from time to time ; 

 it has also been found breeding. It is the smallest of 

 our Crakes, the plumage generally being warm brown, 

 flecked with black and white above, slate-grey below. 

 Its language and habits are much like the last. 



GREAT SNIPE [Gallinago major). 



A regular autumn visitor in small numbers — usually 

 young birds. Generally observed in the East and South 

 of England. In appearance it is like a larger edition of 

 the Common Snipe and in habits much resembles it, but 

 its flight is heavier, slower, and less erratic. 



JACK SNIPE {Gallinago galUnula). 



A winter visitor but much less common than Common 

 Snipe. Fairly well-distributed in suitable places. 



Haunts. — Marshy and fenny districts. 



Observation. — In general appearance much like the 

 Common Snipe, but smaller. 



Plumage. — Upper parts mottled with buff, reddish 



