122 GALLINULA MARTINICA. 



i . I :\US LV. GALL1XULA, Baissow. 

 239. GALLJNULA MART1NICA, LATHAM. 



OALLJIfULA rORPHYRJO, WILSON. MARTIMCO GALLINULE. * 



WILSON, PLATE LXXIII. FIG. II KDINBURGH ( OI.I.Kl 



Tins splendid bird is a native of tin; southern parts 

 of the continent of North America, I have never 

 learnt that it migrates as far north as Virginia, though 

 it is probable that it may be occasionally seen in that 

 State. It makes its appearance, in the Sea Islands of 

 Georgia, in the latter part of April, and, after spending 

 the summer, it departs, with its young, in the autumn. 

 The marshes of Mexico appear to be its winter resi- 

 dence. It frequents the rice fields and fresh water 

 ponds, in company with the common galliuule ; but the 

 latter, being of a more hardy nature, remains all winter 

 both in Georgia and Florida. 



During its migration this bird is frequently driven 

 to sea; and I have known two or three instances of 

 its havirig sought refuge on board of vessels. On the 

 24th May, 1824, a brig arrived at Philadelphia, from 

 New Orleans, bringing a tine living specimen, which 

 had flown on board of her in the Gulf stream. This 

 bird is now [1825] alive in the Philadelphia Museum. 

 In the month of August, 1818, a storm drove another 

 individual on board of a vessel, in her passage from 

 Savannah to Philadelphia. This also lived for some 

 time in Peale's Museum. 



The Martinico gallinule is a vigorous and active bird. 

 It bites hard, and is quite expert in the use of its feet. 

 When it seizes upon any substance with its toes, it 

 requires a considerable effort to disengage it. Its toes 

 are long, ami spread greatly. It runs with swiftness; 

 and, when walking, it jerks its tail in the manner of 

 the common rail. Its manners and food are somewhat 

 similar to those of the far famed purple gallinule, whose 



Named in the plate, Purple Gallinule. The description of the 

 bird is written by Mr Ord. 



