The Little Crake 



from which it may be readily distinguished by the absence 

 of spots on the throat or breast. Length 8 in. ; wing 

 4-2 in. 



BAILLON'S CRAKE 



Porzana bailloni (Vieillot) 



This species has only been met with in these islands on 

 the spring and autumn migrations ; on one or two occasions 

 it has been recorded as having bred in the eastern counties, 

 but although there is no great improbability about this, 

 British-taken eggs have never been thoroughly authenticated. 

 On the Continent it breeds freely in Western Europe, from 

 Holland southwards as far east as North Italy. 



In plumage it closely resembles the Little Crake, from 

 which it may always be distinguished by having the outer 

 web of the first primary white. Length 7 in.; wing 

 3-45 in. 



THE WATER-RAIL 



Rallus aquaticus, Linnaeus 



This species is tolerably abundant throughout Great 

 Britain wherever swamps and sedge or reed-beds are 

 sufficiently large to afford it cover. It is most abundant 

 in winter, when our native birds receive large additions 

 from the Continent, especially during severe weather. 



During the breeding season it is very noisy, making a 



