NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EGGS. 



105 



[213.] Spotted Crake. Porzana porzana. 



This common European species is casually found in Greenland. It breeds in 

 large numbers throughout temperate Europe, nesting as do the American Rails. 



214. Carolina Rail; Sora. Porzana Carolina. 



Range. Temperate North America, breeding from the southern pirts of the 

 British possessions, south to tha Gulf coast. 



This abundant species of Rail may be readily known 

 by its small size, about 8 inches long, and the black 

 face and throat of the adult. These are the "Rail- 

 birds" or "Ortolans" which are annually slaughtered 

 by thousands, for sport and marketing, during their 

 fall migration. It is only because of the large fami- 

 lies that they rear, that they are able to withstand 

 this yearly decimation in their ranks. They nest 

 either in salt or fresh water marshes, making a rude 

 structure of grass, weeds and strips of rushes, on the 

 ground, generally concealed in a tuft of grass in a tangled swamp or marsh. 

 During May, they lay from six to sixteen eggs of a bright, huffy gray color, 

 spotted with reddish brown and lavender. Size 1.25 x .90. 



[Bright buff.] 



215. Yellow Rail. Forzana noveborac< ,,/'. 



Range. Locally distributed in temperate North America, from New England 

 and Nova Scotia, to California and British Columbia; south to the Gulf States 

 in winter. 



This is a very handsome species, with plumage of 

 glossy brown, yellowish buff, black and white; length 

 7 inches. They are very shy and secretive, and are 

 probably more common than generally supposed. Their 

 nesting habits are the same as those of the preceding. 

 Their eggs are of a rich buff color, speckled in the form 

 of a wreath about the large end, with reddish brown. 

 They are relatively narrower than those of other Kails. 

 Size 1.10 x .80. " Data. Benson Co., North Dakota, 

 June4,1901. Setof ten eggs collected by Rev. P. B. Peabody. 

 This fine set is in the collection of Mr. John Lewis Childs. 



IHch buff.J 



216. Black Rail. Porzana jamaicensis. 



Range. Temperate North America, breeding from north- 

 ern United States southward. 



Smallest of the Rails; 5 inches in length. A dark slaty 

 colored bird with white specks, and a patch of dark chest- 

 nut on the fore back. This diminutive species is very hard 

 to rind because of its retiring habits, but according to 

 Mr. Brewster it may be located by the clicking sound of its 

 song. 



"- .- 

 - 



