108 WATER BIRDS 
The adult Coots are very noisy birds, constantly call- 
ing, screaming, or complaining. Just after nightfall and 
before dawn, most California marshes are vocal with 
their varied cries. But, like the gallinules, they are 
more easily heard than seen, for they are exceedingly 
shy. If surprised and forced to flight, they rise with 
much splattering, fly rapidly a short distance, and fall 
back into the marsh. They are worthless as game birds, 
as their flesh is tough and rank in taste; for this reason 
the real sportsman shuns them. 
