AMERICAN COOT. 



COOT. MUD HEN. MARSH HEN. MEADOW HEN. MOOR HEN. 

 CROW DUCK. 



FULICA AMERICANA. 



Char. General plumage dark slate, shading to dull black on the head, 

 and to gray on the belly ; edge of the wings and tips of the secondaries 

 white ; frontal shield and spots on the bill dark brown; feet greenish, 

 toes with conspicuous lobes or "flaps." Length from 13 to 16 inches. 

 The "frontal shield" is a horny plate which extends from the bill over 

 the forehead. It is one distinguishing character of the Coots and 

 Gallinules. 



Nest. Amid the reeds or rank grass on the margin of a secluded pond 

 or sluggish stream, sometimes on a knoll near the water, attached to the 

 reeds, often floating on the water ; a bulky affair of loosely arranged reeds 

 or sedge stems, scantily lined with grass, and placed on a high platform. 

 This platform sometimes rests on the tops of the surrounding reeds, which 

 are bent down to receive it. 



Eggs. 6-15 (usually about 10) ; pale buff, profusely spotted with dark 

 brown and lilac ; size very variable, average about 1.90 X 1.40. 



