376 Birds. 



THE COOT. (Fulica aim.) 



THIS bird has so many traits in its character, and so 

 many features in its general appearance like the rails 

 and water-hens, that to place it after them seems a 

 natural and easy gradation ; and accordingly this has 

 been done by Cuvier, though it was considered by 

 Linnasus to belong to a group distinct from those birds, 

 and from the waders in general, on account of its being 

 fin-footed, and its constant attachment to the waters, 

 which, indeed, it seldom quits. The manner in which 

 Coots build their nest is very ingenious. They form it 

 of interwoven aquatic weeds, and place it among the 

 rushes, in such a way that it may occasionally rise with, 

 but not be washed away by, the stream ; and if ever this 

 accident happens, steady on her nest, the hen does not 

 desert her brood, but follows with them the destiny of 

 their floating cradle. This bird, in the figure and shape 

 of its body, resembles the water-hen, and weighs about 

 twenty-four ounces. The feathers about the head and 

 neck are low, soft, and thick. The colour about the 

 whole of the body is black, but of a deeper hue about 

 the head. The sere rises upon the forehead in a peculiar 

 manner, and appears as if Providence had designed it 

 for a means of defence. It changes its whitish colour 

 to a pale red or pink in the breeding season. Coots are 

 very shy, and seldom, venture abroad before dusk. "When 

 attacked, they defend themselves with their feet, and they 

 do this so energetically, that sportsmen say, " Beware of 

 a winged Coot, or he will scratch you like a cat," 



