566 BRITISH BIRDS. 



progresses in a similar manner to the Waterhen, and when alarmed will 

 often run with great speed to the nearest cover. Sometimes it takes wing 

 and alights on the water with a heavy plunge, diving at once, and pro- 

 gressing under water to the reeds, remaining in such a position for a con- 

 siderable time, with only the point of its bill out of the water. It is a 

 very sociable bird, and may be seen in parties at all times of the year, but 

 it congregates in the largest numbers in winter. It is fond of the society 

 of other water-birds, and by its presence and great wariness adds con- 

 siderably to the safety of the whole flock. It may frequently be seen 

 walking gracefully about the mud islands in tidal rivers, and when winged 

 often runs with surprising quickness, concealing itself in an old wall or 

 amongst the gnarled roots of trees. The Coot may occasionally be seen 

 perched in trees, and it sometimes ascends them, leaping from branch to 

 branch with as much ease as a gallinaceous bird. It sometimes roosts in 

 trees, and has been known to repair to them to feed on berries. It 

 generally sleeps on the water ; but if this is not convenient it repairs to the 

 land, choosing the highest portions, where it is better able to discern ny 

 danger or become aware of its approach. 



The food of the Coot is composed of very small fish, aquatic insects, and 

 tender shoots, buds, and seeds of water-plants ; and upon the land it eats 

 great quantities of common meadow-grass, small shells, slugs, and worms, 

 which it finds amongst the aquatic vegetation and the grass near its haunt. 

 It eats grain readily, but will seldom or never come near to farmhouses 

 or enter stackyards to obtain it, but picks it up from the new-sown 

 lands or stubbles. It obtains much of its food by diving. The cry of the 

 Coot is loud and plaintive, sometimes a single note, but frequently 

 repeated several times. It is a clear bell-like ko, not unlike the cry of the 

 Golden Plover. 



The Coot is a rather late breeder, and its eggs are seldom laid before 

 the beginning of May, sometimes later, according to the state of the season. 

 The nest is sometimes built on the dry land amongst tangled reeds and 

 grass on the banks of the water ; but more frequently it is placed in shallow 

 water amongst flags and tall rushes, the foundation being commenced 

 under the surface. It is often placed on the margin of the water on small 

 islands. The nest is a large bulky structure, sometimes as much as two 

 feet in height, this varying according to the depth of the water. In some 

 cases it is a floating structure, anchored safely to the surrounding reeds, 

 or built on a large mass of rushes that have been broken by the wind and 

 lie on the surface of the water. The outside is generally made of coarse 

 flags, reeds, dead leaves, and portions of aquatic plants ; and as it approaches 

 completion finer materials are used, and the lining generally consists of 

 dry reed-leaves. The eggs are from six to twelve in number, seven or 

 eight being an average clutch. They are huffish white or stone-colour, 



