401 



FAMILY RALLID^.— THE RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOTS. 



Of this family the only one of much interest to sportsmen, is the Carolina. 

 Rail which is the most numerous of the Rail family and is the only one much 

 hunted for its flesh. It is a small bird with the following history. 



PORZANA CAROLINA (Baird). 



THE CAROLINA RAIL : SORA RAIL. 



Specific Character. — Above bright olive brown with longitudinal spots of 

 black, some of the feathers edged with white ; top of head with a broad longitudi- 

 nal stripe of black ; anterior portion of head, with chin and throat, black. Sides 

 of head and neck, except as described, jugulum and breast, light plumbeous;, 

 abdomen white ; anal region and crissum creamy white or pale bufi ; flanks sharply 

 barred with white and slate colour. 



Length 8-9 inches ; wing, 4.00 inches ; tail, 2.00 inches ; bill, § inch ; tarsus, I^ 

 inches. 



Habitat. — The whole of temperate North America, but most common in the 

 eastern provinces, south to New Grenada and Venezuela. Breeds chiefly in the 

 northern part of its range. This the common Sora Rail is ver}"" abundantly- 

 distributed during its spring and fall migrations. It passes north during April 

 and May and returns in September, and remains till October or until there is a 

 sharp frost which usually makes it travel farther south. It frequents reedy or 

 marshy flats where it can feed on the seeds of the reeds, etc., and can be hidden by 

 the cover, for it is a shy little bird, mainly moving about by running, seldom flying 

 unless forced to. When flushed by the gunner it affords an easy shot and often 

 great numbers may be taken in a day. It can dive or swim with great rapidity. 

 In Virginia they are hunted along the marshy banks of rivers at night, when 

 lights are used, and the birds knocked down with the paddle as the boat is shoved 

 through the reeds. Nests in fresh water marshes on a tussock of grass and. 

 usually lays from seven to twelve eggs. 



