THE COOT 247 



half flying, half running, as do some of the 

 heavier and clumsier sea-fowl. 



This bird gets much of its food by diving and 

 swims well under water, using its wings in con- 

 junction with its long, lobed feet, which are a 

 most serviceable pair of paddles. 



In summer the separate families keep by 

 themselves, but when in the fall the young are 

 fully fledged and ready for business flocks of 

 considerable size are formed preparatory to 

 migrating. Our sportsmen seldom trouble the 

 Coots in ponds where much duck shooting is 

 done from blinds, since their flocks often 

 serve to decoy passing birds, which, seeing 

 the Coots swimming unconcernedly about, alight 

 near them, taking it for granted that all is safe 

 because of their presence. Perhaps, too, the 

 quality of their flesh may account in part for 

 their immunity from pursuit and the semi-pro- 

 tection afforded them, though the bird is a 

 cleanly feeder and lives for the most part on 

 vegetable food. 



The general tone of the Coot's plumage is a 

 dark slate color, growing lighter and grayer 

 below, darkening on the head and neck. Dusky 

 greenish on the back; tail blackish; crissum 



