LITTLE CEAKE 173 



second was obtained near Rathangan, co. Kildare, on 

 November 12th, 1903 (Williams, ' Zoologist,' 1903, p. 460). 

 As there has been a lapse of almost half a century between 

 the two captures, and as the species has been taken so 

 much oftener proportionately in England, it is probable that 

 this diminutive Crake, skulking in its habits, has been to 

 a certain extent overlooked. This is still more likely when 

 we bear in mind that the numbers of workers at Irish 

 ornithology are comparatively few. Even in England 

 I have little doubfc that the bird often escapes observation. 



In its general habits the Little Crake may be well 

 ranked among our aquatic birds. It not only frequents 

 marshes, but it constantly enters the water, swimming and 

 diving in search of food. Its diminutive form and light 

 weight 1 allow of its running along the surface of floating 

 leaves such as those of the water-lily, a habit with which 

 we are familiar in the case of nestling Water-Hens and 

 Coots. 



Flight. This bird is rapid on the wing, but it generally 

 steals into cover on foot to escape its enemies. 



Voice. The note is a defiant kik, kik, kik (Saunders). 



Food. This consists for the most part of aquatic insects 

 and vegetables ; small worms and slugs are also eaten. 



Nest. -The nest is built among tufts of sedges raised 

 above the level of the water. The lining materials used 

 are short, broad bits of reed-blades (W. Eagle Clarke). 

 The eggs, about seven to the clutch, are pale olive, with 

 darker greenish-brown markings. 



There have been no records of the Little Crake breeding 

 in our Isles, but it is quite conceivable that some of the 

 spring-visitors may remain during the summer for this 

 purpose, and be overlooked. 



Geographical distribution. Abroad, this species breeds 

 in many countries in Central, Southern, and Eastern 

 Europe, also in Asia and parts of North Africa. In winter 

 it migratesto the Tropical regions of Asia and Africa. 



DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS. 



PLUMAGE. Adult male nuptial. Head, except the centre 

 of the crown, which is olive-brown, throat and front of neck, 

 breast and abdomen, slate-grey ; under tail-coverts, spotted 



1 Which does not exceed If ozs. 



