KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 263 



Suborder Ralli. 



Rails, Gallinules, Coots, etc. 



Family ARAMID.E. Courlans. 



Genus ARAMUS Vieill. 



ARAMAS GIGANTEUS (Bonap.). 

 Limpkin. 



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

 heavier than those on the head and neck ; wing and tail showing bronzy reflections when held 

 in the hght ; under mandible slightly twisted near the tip. 



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



Aramus giganteus. 



This species occurs in Florida on the Atlantic 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 buffv wliite marked with 

 dark brown. At one time it was a very 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 Everglades. 



