184 VIRGINIAN RAIL. 



down, and had a soft piping note. In the month of June, of the 

 same year, another pair of these birds began to breed amidst a 

 boggy spring in one of Mr. Bartram's meadows; but were un- 

 fortunately destroyed. 



The Virginian Rail is migratory, never wintering in the north- 

 ern or middle states. It makes its first appearance in Pennsyl- 

 vania early in May; and leaves the country on the first smart 

 frosts, generally in November. I have no doubt but many of 

 them linger in the low woods, and marshes, of the southern 

 states, during winter. 



This species is ten inches long, and fourteen inches in extent; 

 bill dusky red; cheeks and stripe over the eye ash, over the lores, 

 and at the lower eyelid, white; iris of the eye red; crown and 

 whole upper parts black, streaked with brown, the centre of 

 each feather being black; wing-coverts hazel brown, inclining 

 to chestnut; quills plain deep dusky; chin white; throat, breast 

 and belly, orange brown; sides and vent black, tipt with white; 

 legs and feet dull red brown; edge of the bend of the wing 

 white. 



The female is about half an inch shorter, and differs from the 

 male in having the breast much paler, not of so bright a reddish 

 brown; there is also more white on the chin and throat. 



When seen, which is very rarely, these birds stand or run 

 with the tail erect, which they frequently jerk upwards. They 

 fly with the legs hanging, generally but a short distance; and 

 the moment they alight, run off with great speed. 



