444 THE VIRGINIA RAIL. 
No. 198. 
VIRGINIA RAIL. 
‘A. O. U. No. 212. Rallus virginianus Linn. 
Description— Adult: An almost exact miniature of the preceding species 
(q. v.); generally coloration perhaps more strongly rufous; blackish barring of 
lower parts more restricted; sides of head ashy gray; bill red, darker above. /in- 
mature birds show blackish more extensively on lower parts. Length 8.00-10.50 
(203.2-266.7) ; wing 4.15 (105.4) ; tail 2.00 (50.8) ; bill 1.50 (38.1) ; tarsus 1.33 
(33-8) ; middle toe and claw 1.78 (45.2). 
Recognition Marks.—Robin size (to appearance) ; marsh-prowling habits. 
The leng reddish bill and rufous coloration serve to distinguish this bird from 
the following species. 
Nest, of sedge and grasses in tussock of swamp. Eggs, 6-12, pale buffy or 
creamy white (of noticeably lighter coloration than those of the succeeding 
species) ; spotted and doited with reddish brown and obscure lilac. Av. size, 
Wes 2 OG (Buds 32 AAA). 
General Range.—North America from the British Provinces south to Guate- 
mala and Cuba. 
Range in Ohio.—Rather common summer resident ; more common northerly, 
rare in extreme southern portion of state. Nowhere so common as the next 
species. 
Taken in Lorain County Photo by the Author. 
THE HOME OF THE VIRGINIA RAIL. 
