I 78 BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 



PORPHYRm MARTINICA. {Linn) 

 Purple Gallinule. 



Adjilt Male. — Head, neck, and under j^arts, bluish purple, 

 grading into black on the belly; above, olive; wing-coverts, bluish; 

 back, olive; crissum, white; frontal plate of the bill, blue; bill, red, 

 tipped with yellow ; legs, yellow. 



Length 11, wing 6.50, tail 2.65, tarsus 2.30. 



Although very desirous of procuring this beautiful bird, I have 

 never had the good fortune of seeing a living specimen. Dr. Bryant 

 was more fortunate, and I include the species on his authority. He 

 says, " I think that this bird must be common ; but I met with but 

 one specimen." This Gallinule, as well as the preceding species, 

 frequents the pools and inland ponds, generally preferring fresh 

 water. In Florida this species is much sought after, and its skin 

 commands a high price. 



Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. V. pi. 303. 



FULICA AMERICANA. Cm. 

 Coot. 



Winter Plumage, Male. — Dark slate-color, becoming grayish on 

 the abdomen ; head and neck, glossy blue-black ; olive markings 

 upon the back ; edge of wing and ends of secondaries, white ; bill. 



