I 2 Scott oti the Birds of Javiaica. [January 



Crake. — Resident according to Gosse who procured specimens in 

 August and in February ('Birds of Jamaica,' pp. 375, 376). 



66. lonornis martinica {Linn.^. Purple Gallinule. Sultana. — 

 Mr. Taylor tells me tliat he has had no personal experience with this spe- 

 cies though it is said to be resident and not uncommon in many inland 

 swamps. Gosse speaks ot"it as "not uncommon" and gives details as to 

 where he found it ('Birds of Jamaica,' pp. 377-380). 



67. Gallinulagaleata (/,/f>4^.). Florida Gallinule. Scarlet-fronted 

 Gallinule. — A common resident species in suitable localities. At Bos- 

 ton, Portland Parish. I met with them frequently, and took two very 

 young birds in the black downy plumage, perhaps ten days old, on Jan- 

 uary 23, 1891. 



From Mr. Taylor's notes I quote: "Abundant in all wet places where 

 there is suitable cover, salt marshes excepted. Along the line of railway 

 between Kingston and Spanish Town is art extensive line of mangrove 

 swamp, in some places bordering the track on either side. Here, in 

 every month and at almost all hours, these birds can be seen feeding 

 among the rank growth at the edges of the swamp or running swiftly 

 among the roots of the mangroves, scarcely' alarmed by passing trains. 

 Among the common people this bird is alwaj's called the Coot. I have 

 had eggs brought me at the end of the year as well as in the months of 

 May and June." 



68. Fulica americana Gmel. American Coot. — A common resident, 

 but perhaps not as plentiful as Gallinula galeata. From Mr. Taylor's 

 notes I quote the following, as of interest: "Abundant, though not seen 

 as often as the common Gallinule. Of eggs taken in May and June some 

 were fresh, and others were in an advanced state of incubation. More 

 than one brood probably is reared." 



69. Recurvirostra americana Gmel. American Avocet. — Mr. Hill 

 informed Gosse of the occasional visits of this species to the island 

 ('Birds of Jamaica,' p. 389). It must be considered, however, as rare or 

 casual at the present time, for it has not been observed by Mr. Taylor. 



70. Himantopus mexicanus (A/«//.). Black-necked Stilt. — A not 

 uncommon winter resident in suitable localities, remaining till late in the 

 spring. The following interesting notes I quote from Mr. Taylor: 

 "Until late in the month of June small companies of these Stilts fre- 

 quented the swamps snd salines at Port Henderson. They were often in 

 company with Herons, fishing in the shallows close to the bordering 

 mangroves where the water reached above the tarsus. A few birds prob- 

 ably stay to breed." 



71. Philohela minor {Gmel.). American Woodcock.— The evidence as 

 to the occurrence of this species in Jamaica seems very slight and rests 

 largely on hearsay. See Gosse, 'Birds of Jamaica,' p. 354. Mr. Taylor 

 has been unable to learn of any specimens. 



72. Gallinago delicata {Ord). Wilson's Snipe. — A regular winter 

 visitor to the island. These birds were not uncommon at Boston late in 

 January. A female was taken on the 23d of that month. Gosse says that 



