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The Coot is found on the low, wet marshes, and on the necks 

 of land along the margins of creeks, which are thickly covered with 

 rank grass and weeds, which afford it shelter during the recess 

 of the tide ; at such times it is seldom seen — and if observed, 

 disappears so quickly through the close cover, that it is hopeless to 

 pursue it. At full tide it sits on the drift grass, or retreats to the 

 higher places on the embankment, where it quietly waits the 

 falling of the tide to resume its occupation of collecting insects, 

 worms, and the seeds of various plants, which abound on the mud- 

 dy places it frequents. 



The habits of the Coot are rather sedentary ; and like the Rails 

 and Gallinules, to which in habits it has a strong resemblance, it is 

 averse to taking wing — and when not apprised of danger, moves 

 leisurely about in pursuit of its fare. When not thus employed, it 

 assumes a listless and drowsy attitude. When pursued, it runs fast 

 — swims and dives well — and when closely followed, dives quickly; 

 and, when under the water, using both its feet and wings, progresses 

 with considerable swiftness. 



I am not aware that this bird breeds on Long Island ; but from 

 its retiring habits, its nest might be easily overlooked. 



GENUS ORTYGOMETRA— LEACH. 

 CRAKE GALLINULE. 



[Bill shorter than the head, compressed, robust, higher than wide at the base, 

 tapering, feathered at ihc bas-e ; head rather small — neck rather short — body 

 compressed.] 



CAROLINA CRAKE GALLINULE. 



Rallus Carolinus, Wils. Amer. Orn. 



Rallus Carolinus, Bouap. Syn. 



Carolina Rail, Nutt. Man. 



Sora Rail, Rallus Carolinus, Aud. Orn. Biog. 



Specific Character — Bill at base surrounded with black, of which 

 color are the central part of the crown and the middle of the fore 

 neck ; back streaked with white, sides of the body barred with the 

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