444 



THE VIRGINIA RAIL. 



No. 198. 



VIRGINIA RAIL. 



A. O. U. No. 212. Rallus virginianus Linn. 



Description. Adult : An almost exact miniature of the preceding species 

 (q. v.} ; generally coloration perhaps more strongly rufous; blackish barring of 

 lower parts more restricted; sides of head ashy gray; bill red, darker above. Im- 

 mature birds show blackish more extensively on lower parts. Length 8.00-10.50 

 (203.2-266.7) ; wing 4.15 (105.4) ; tail 2.00 (50.8) ; bill 1.50 (38.1) ; tarsus 1.33 

 (33.8) ; middle toe and claw 1.78 (45.2). 



Recognition Marks. Robin size (to appearance) ; marsh-prowling habits. 

 The long reddish bill and rufous coloration serve to distinguish this bird from 

 the following species. 



Nest, of sedge and grasses in tussock of swamp. Eggs, 6-12, pale buffy or 

 creamy white (of noticeably lighter coloration than those of the succeeding 

 species) ; spotted and dotted with reddish brown and obscure lilac. Av. size, 

 1.25 x .95 (31.8 x 24.1). 



General Range. North America from the British Provinces south to Guate- 

 mala and Cuba. 



Range in Ohio. Rather common summer resident; more common northerly, 

 rare in extreme southern portion of state. Nowhere so common as the next 

 species. 





Lcrain County. 



Photo by the Auth 



THE HOME OF THE VIRGINIA RAIL. 



