196 THE BIRDS OF SUSSEX. 



tication arises is wholly unknown. The colour of some speci- 

 mens in this state is much tinged with yellow. 



COOT. 



Fulica atra. 



From the white plate on the forehead^ I have heard the Coot 

 called the Bald Coot. It is by no means uncommon in 

 SusseXj but much more maritime than the others of its 

 family, keeping to the open sea in large flocks, in quiet 

 weather, but when it is rough, betaking itself to our harbours 

 and estuaries for shelter. As the breeding-season approaches, 

 it comes inland to many of the large ponds, preferring those 

 abounding in reeds ; there it forms a large semi-floating nest 

 of flags and broken reeds, on a platform of the latter, that 

 have been broken down by the wind. Sometimes, when the 

 Avater is shallow, it builds its nest up from the bottom, occa- 

 sionally collecting a very large mass, raising it still higher on 

 the approach of a flood. When wounded, the Coot requires 

 careful handling, as it will scratch like a cat. On the wing 

 the flight is powerful, the legs being stretched out behind it 

 like those of a Heron. They feed on many fish and on vege- 

 tables. I have often watched the old birds from the Covered 

 Bridge at Lucerne, where they are very tame, diving and 

 bringing up green weeds for the young from the bottom of 

 the lake. The water being exceedingly clear, they may be 

 seen to use their wings beneath the surface as if in flight. 

 The Coot is not much esteemed in England for the table, 

 but many are exposed for sale in Continental markets, 

 though the flesh is very strong and oily ; yet, if carefully 

 prepared, and buried for a few hours in the ground, it is by 

 no means unpalatable, being very white and juicy. 



