KRY TO 'i'JiJ-: \\'.\ri:K i-.ikds oi' ilokida. 263 



Suborder Ralli. 



Rails, (j ai.limli;s, Coots, i;tc. 



Family ARAMID^E. Courlans. 



Genus ARAMUS Vieill. 



ARAMAS QIGANTELJS (Bonap.). 

 Limpkin. 



General plumage dark olive brown striped with white, the stripes on the body being niucli 

 heavier than those on the head and neck : wing and tail showing bronzy reflections when lield 

 in the light : under mandible slightly twisted near the tip. 



Length. 27.50 : Wing. 13; Tarsus, 4.35: Bill, 4.50. 



'iSSSfc^ 



Aramus giganteus. 



This species occurs in Florida on the Athmtic coast and Central America 

 and in many of the West Indies. 



It is resident and breeds in Florida, the nest being composed of leaves 

 and twigs, which is placed in a tree or bush near a river or in a swamp. 

 The eggs are from five to se\en in number and buffy white marked with 

 dark brown. At one time it was a \ery abundant species, but is now seldom 

 seen except in the less inhabited districts. It eats the land-snails which are 

 so abundant in the cypress ponds on the borders of the E\-erglades. 



