242 FEATHERED GAME 



The two species are found over much the 

 same territory though the present one is of 

 somewhat more southern habitat. 



FLORIDA GALLINULE. 



(Gallinula galeata.) 



This species, quite common in the South At- 

 lantic and Gulf States, is only occasionally met 

 in New England and corresponding latitudes, 

 though specimens are rarely taken in the Mar- 

 itime Provinces of Canada. In northern New 

 England it is one of the least common of the 

 marsh dwellers. It is seldom that more than 

 two are taken in a season in this section, most 

 years passing without the capture of a specimen 

 being recorded in Maine. 



The Florida Gallinule loves the tranquil 

 waters the still lagoons overgrown with sedge 

 and grass, for there the floating vegetation of- 

 fers the best chance for obtaining food. Much 

 preferring the fresh water ponds and streams, 

 this bird is rarely seen in the salt marshes and 

 then usually he is some stray traveler on his 

 way toward warm weather. In gait these birds 

 are much like the domestic fowl, bobbing their 



