36 BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



inconvenience to the builder. I recollect once 

 seeing an instance of this kind on a large reservoir 

 in South Yorkshire. The bird breeds in suitable 

 places in nearly all parts of the British Isles. 



Materials. Decaying sedges, flags, reeds, and 

 rushes, and although not very elegant is wonder- 

 fully strong. It is a very pretty sight to see this 

 bird pulling up decayed weeds and swimming with 

 them to its half-constructed nest. 



Eggs. Seven to ten. As many as fourteen 

 or fifteen have been found. Dingy stone-colour 

 or dull buff, spotted and speckled all over with 

 nutmeg brown. Size about 2.1 by 1.5 in. (See 

 Plate XIV.) 



Time. April, May, June, and July. 



Remarks. Resident, and partially migratory. 

 Note : a clear ringing ko. Local and other names : 

 Common Coot, Bald Coot. Sits lightly. 



COOT. 



