THE BIRDS OF WAYNE COUNTY. 



265 



ORDER PALUDICOL^. CRANES, RAILS, ETC. 

 SUBORDER RALLI. RAILS, GALLINULES, COOTS, ETC. 

 FAMILY RALLID>E. RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOTS. 



SUBFAMILY RALLIN/C. RAILS. 



GENUS RALLUS. LINN^US. 



32. Rallus elegans (AUD.). 

 King Rail. 



A rare summer resident from March to September ; slightly more common in the 

 spring than at other seasons. It is to be found principally in its breeding places in 

 the extensive swamps and marshes. 



A young bird in downy black plumage was captured in the latter part of June, 

 1888, on a road which passes through a swampy district about two and one-half miles 

 south of Wooster. When first discovered, the parent bird (which was also secured), 

 manifested much anxiety for the safety of its offspring, running again and again 

 around the young one as though hoping thus to preserve it from harm. Both are now 

 in the collection of Mr. J. Housekeeper. 



33. Rallus virgiaianus (LINN.). 

 Virginia Rail. 



An abundant spring transient, chiefly in April ; much less numerous in the fall. 

 At these seasons it may be found in nearly all the large swamps and marshes of the 

 County. Not ascertained to occur as a summer resident, perhaps from lack of 

 opportunity for thorough investigation during that season, in localities suitable for 

 the nesting of the species since it without much doubt breeds at least sparingly some- 

 where in this region. 



