BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 95 



assumes the mottled garb of the female, and during the 

 moult he is incapable of flight. 



Food. Practically omnivorous. 



Nest. March or April. One brood. 



Site. Among reeds at the side of a lake or river, under 

 some bush ; sometimes, though rarely, in a tree, or far 

 from water. 



Materials. Grass, rushes, leaves, profusely lined with 

 neutral greyish down from the bird's breast. 



Eggs. Eight to twelve. White, slightly tinged with 

 green, smooth-shelled and oval in shape. 



