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COURLANS Family Aramidae 

 LIMPKIN 



207. Aramus vociferus. 27 in. 



These singular birds are the connecting link between 

 the cranes and the rails. They are rarely seen in flocks, 

 usually living a secluded life in pairs. They are often 

 known as the " crying bird," because of the peculiar 

 wailing cries that they utter, both in daytime and after 

 nightfall. They are great skulkers, and it is difficult 

 to make them fly; when they do take wing, it is only to 

 go a few rods before dropping into the shelter of the 

 reeds again. They can run rapidly, having a peculiar 

 mincing gait, that is said to have given them the name 

 of Limpkin. 



Notes. A peculiar wailing " whee-ee-eu." 



Nest. A loosely constructed platform of sticks, leaves, 

 grass and moss, located a few feet from the ground in 

 tangled underbrush or vines. The 4 to 7 eggs are buffy 

 white, blotched with brown (2.30x1.70) ; April, May. 



Range. Breeds and is resident in Southern Florida, 

 and casually Texas. 



