152 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



THE COOT.* 



BALD COOT. 



(Fulica Atra, Linn. Foiilquc macron lc, Temm.) 



THIS bird generally weighs, when in full condi- 

 tion, about twenty-eight ounces, and measures 

 fifteen inches in length. The bill is greenish- 

 white, more than an inch and a quarter long: a 

 callous white membrane, like that of the Water 

 Hen, but larger, is spread over the forehead, which 

 changes its colour to a pale red in the breeding 

 season : irides red : the upper part of its plumage 

 black, except the outer edges of the wings, and a 

 spot under each eye, which are white ; under parts 

 hoary dark ash or lead-colour. The skin is clothed 



* The order Pinnatipedes contains three British genera, viz. r 

 Fulica, Phalaropus, Podiceps. 



