NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 35 



September. During the summer months it is widely distributed 

 throughout the British Islands, wherever grass-land and cultivated 

 fields are to be found. Owing to its retiring habits it is seldom seen ; 

 but the harsh call-note of the male must be familiar to most people. 

 Slugs, insects and worms, as well as seeds, etc., form the principal food. 

 The nest, composed of pieces of dry plants, is placed on the ground 

 among grass, clover, or standing crops. From seven to ten buff- 

 coloured eggs, spotted with pale lavender and reddish-brown, are laid 

 about the end of May. 



The plant with the yellow flower is the Meadow Vetchling {Lathyrus 

 pratensis). 



Perthshire, June. 



Presented by W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esq. 



No. 93. COOT. (Fulica atra.) 



This resident species is found in most of the lakes, ponds and 

 sluggish streams throughout the British Islands, but, in severe 

 weather, it migrates to the sea-coast. Its food consists of aquatic 

 insects, worms, molluscs, and vegetable substances. The nest, a deep 

 compact mass of dry reeds and sedges, is generally placed above 

 shallow water, among flags and tall rushes. The eggs, from seven to 

 ten in number, are buff-colour, with small spots of blackish-brown. 



Hampshire, May. 



Presented by Sir Edward Shelley, Bart. 



No. 94. MOORHEN. (Gallinula chloropus.) 



This species, also known as the Waterhen, is a common resident 

 throughout the British Islands, wherever the reedy margins of lakes, 

 ponds, or running water afford suitable shelter. It swims well, and 

 feeds chiefly on slugs, worms, and insects, but will also kill and devour 

 the young of other waterfowl. The nest, a compactly built structure 

 of dry flags and sedges, is usually situated in shallow water among reeds 

 and other aquatic plants, but it is occasionally placed on branches of 

 overhanging trees and at a considerable height above the water. The 

 eggs, from seven to nine in number, are pale buff, spotted with reddish- 

 brown and dull lilac. 



Leicestershire, May. 



Presented by Theodore Walker, Esq. 



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