182 KALLID^E 



diurnal in its habits, and so, instead of skulking, it may be 

 seen moving actively about in the broad daylight. 



The Water-hen soon gets accustomed to the sound of 

 a passing train, from the windows of which scores of these 

 birds may be seen feeding on the wet pastures or picking 

 up objects from the surface of the water, 1 a few of the 

 more timid members hastening on foot towards the shelter 

 of a ditch. That it can dive is evident from the fol- 

 lowing habit described by Mr. Ussher : " two males will 

 fight in the water by striking each other with the feet like 

 game-cocks ; their wings are then thrown back and their 

 hinder parts immersed ; the vanquished bird finally escapes 



FIG. 23. HEAD OF WATER-HEN. V Nat. size. 



by diving." When the stagnant waters are frost-bound, 

 this species betakes itself to running streams, frequent- 

 ing also the shelter of plantations and timbered districts. 



Flight. When necessity arises the bird can mount to 

 a considerable height in the air, and then travel with sus- 

 tained power and speed. Such aerial movements are chiefly 

 conducted at night during migration. As evidence of the 

 velocity with which the Water-hen can fly, I quote on the 

 authority of Mr. K. M. Barrington that, " On October 28th, 

 1886, at 11.30, P.M., one struck "with tremendous force" 



1 As the Water-hen swims it moves its body forwards with a series 

 of jerks. Its long, slender toes, not connected by, or even fringed with, 

 webs, offer but little resistance in the water. Hence to drive its body 

 forwards it is obliged to move its feet very rapidly. This fact is easily 

 verified by watching birds swim in captivity. Both when swimming and 

 walking, this species may be seen constantly ' flirting ' its tail up and 

 down. 



