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FLORIDA GALLINULE 



219. Gallinula galeata. 13 in. 



Bill and crown plate, reel, tipped with yellow; legs 

 reenish with a red ring around the top; plumage gray 

 changing to blackish on the head and neck. Florida 

 Gallinules are very noisy, especially during the mating 

 and breeding season, and marshes in the south, where 

 they breed by hundreds, fairly ring with their cries. 

 chuckles and squawks. They have an almost endless 

 variety of notes but all of them are harsh and explosive. 

 At times they appear to be stupid, and allow anyone to 

 approach in a boat, near enough to touch them with an 

 oar. When frightened, and with no protecting rushes 

 to conceal them, they will rush off over the grass and 

 water, with much spattering and squawking. 



Nest.- -Usually fastened in the marsh grass or flags 

 above water; made of rushes and grass; the eggs are 

 similar to those of the Purple Gallinule but are duller. 



Range. Breeds north to southern New England, On- 

 tario, Minnesota and Oregon; winters in southern U. S. 



