24 



plished, becomes extremely docile, and is very fond 

 of being caressed by those to whom it shows 

 attachment. Its shrill notes and mischievous quali- 

 ties, however, render it sometimes 3, troublesome 

 inmate. 



It often becomes bold and pugnacious, is ex- 

 tremely sensitive to what it deems insult, and 

 resents an affront with violence. The Chough 

 builds its nest on high cliffs, old castles, and church 

 towers near the sea shore. The nest is composed 

 externally of sticks, and the interior is lined with 

 a quantity of wool and hair, The female lays three 

 or four eggs of a bluish white hue, spotted with 

 yellow, 



COOT, COMMON, 

 BALD COOT. 



FlILICA ATRA, Lin. 



This bird is similar in its general appearance to 

 the Wateivhen, from which however it differs in a 

 very material degree in the formation of its feet, 

 the membranes of the toes being furnished with 

 lobes or scollops, the middle one with three and 

 the outer one with four. It has also on the fore- 

 head a pure white fleshy substance, from which it 

 takes its n^me of the Bald Coot. These birds are 

 met with in England throughout the year, being 

 found upon ponds, lakes, and still rivers. They 



