JAN., 1909. BIRDS OF ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN CORY. 381 



Subfamily RALLIN^. Rails. 



Genus RALLUS Linn. 



94. Rallus elegans AUD. 



KING RAIL. 



Distr.: Fresh water marshes of eastern United States, north to 

 the Middle states and Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, etc., 

 casual to Massachusetts and Ontario. 



Adult: Upper parts, dark brown; throat,' white; breast, reddish 

 brown; sides, darker, barred with white ; back and scapulars, brownish, 



King Rail. 



margined with olive gray; wings and tail, dull brown or olive brown; 

 wing coverts, rufous brown. 



Length, 15.40; wing, 6.55; tarsus, 2.25; bill, 2.50. 



The King Rail is a summer resident in Wisconsin and Illinois and 

 breeds in both states in suitable localities. Nests in fresh water 

 marshes. The eggs are 8 to 12, buffy white, spotted and speckled 

 with rufous brown, and measure about 1.70 x 1.20 inches. 



