...I 



COOT. 



COMMON COOT. BALD COOT. 



PLATE CLXXXI. - FIG. II. 



Fulica atra, PENNANT. MONTAGU. 



Fulica aterrima, 



THE nest of this bird, not unfrequently deferred to be made until 

 May, is a large structure, and, though of rough workmanship, very 

 strong in its composition, so as to keep the eggs dry, albeit in such 

 close proximity to water. It is built by the edges of islands in, or 

 the borders of lakes, ponds, and rivers, and is generally placed among, 

 and loosely attached to flags and reeds; sometimes on a tuft of rushes, 

 and composed of the former plants: the finer portions are placed in- 

 wards. Since writing the above, I have observed one placed on the 

 water, as indeed they not unfrequently are, and confined only in its 

 place by the reeds springing up around it. It was three or four 

 yards from the edge of a small pond, adjoining the high-road between 

 High Catton and Stamford Bridge. The old bird moved a little way 

 from it as I stopped, but did not appear shy, as she doubtless would 

 at another time. 



The eggs are from six or seven, to ten or even fourteen in number, 

 of a light dull yellowish or greenish pale brown, or stone-colour, 

 spotted with small rust-coloured spots. If the first hatch be taken 

 or destroyed, a second is produced, but in less numbers. 



