3*1 



COMMON GALLINULE. 



Gattinula chloropus, LATHAM. 

 PLATE XXXII. 



Fulica chloropus, Linn. Gallinula chloropus, Lath., fyc. 

 Poule d'eau ordinaire, Temm. Common Gallinule, Wa- 

 ter-hen, or Moor-hen, of British authors. 



THIS species is more aquatic than the true Rails, 

 swimming freely, spending a great deal of its time 

 in the water, apparently diving at times in search 

 of food, and always to avoid danger. It is com- 

 monly distributed through our islands ; and, in ad- 

 dition to the more extensive resorts of water fowl, 

 is extremely fond of ponds, or still rivers, fringed 

 with willow, brushwood, or any rank vegetation. 

 Amidst these it finds shelter and a retreat in time 

 of danger, and a convenient breeding place. It is a 

 bird which becomes extremely familiar, and, if un- 

 molested, will continue long about one spot, and 

 will approach the vicinity of houses for food that 

 is regularly laid for it. "When pursued, it will run, 

 or half fly to the nearest water, and will creep into 

 holes, or dive amidst the vegetation, the bill merely 

 kept above water. In this position it requires a very 



