COOT 63 



coloured spots. If the first hatch be taken or destroyed, 

 a second is produced. 



The young almost immediately leave the nest to run 

 about, and after a few days entirely forsake it, unless the 

 weather is unseasonable, in which case they return to it at 

 night for a week or two, the old birds carefully tending 

 them as long as necessary. 



