230 



BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



is a broad garter of red. The female is rather 

 larger, and brighter in the coloration of her 

 plumage, than the male. 



Situation and Locality. Generally on the ground, 

 amongst flags, rushes, reeds, low bushes growing 



from the 

 water ; reeds 

 and coarse 

 aquatic plants 

 growing in 

 and on the 

 banks of 

 rivers, small 

 streams, can- 

 als, p o n ds , 

 lakes, and 

 reservoirs. I 

 have, how- 

 ever, met 

 with it at 

 considerable 

 heights above 

 the water, 

 amongst rub- 

 bish left by 

 an abnor- 

 mally high flood in a tree. Common through- 

 out England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. 



Materials. Flags, reeds, rushes, and grass. 

 Generally in small quantities where the situation 

 is dry, but often in a fair-sized matted mass where 

 its base is in the water. 



Eggs. Seven to ten. Bufftsh-white or rusty- 

 buff, spotted and speckled with reddish-brown 

 of various shades. The markings are not very 



MOORHENS NEST AND EGGS. 



