180 RALLID^E. 



in large numbers, where at all times they may be observed 

 on the wing like the common swallow, describing figures in 

 the air, and uttering their loud peculiar call-notes, very simi- 

 lar to those of the Sandwich tern (Sterna cantiacd). Resemb- 

 ling the plovers, they run with the greatest rapidity ; and in 

 the steepes and even the highways resemble the stonechats in 

 the manner of shaking the tail, and not exhibiting the least 

 fear of the passengers." 

 Habitat Northern Africa* 



FAMILY XXXIL RALLID^E (RAILS). 



GENUS LXXXVIII.- EALLUS (RAIL). 

 SPECIES 172 THE WATER RAIL. 



Rattus aquaticus. Linn. 

 Rale cTeau vulgaire. Temm. 



THIS species, the most beautiful in plumage of the Rallidse, 

 although not of actual rarity, is yet unusual in its occurrence. 

 A resident during all seasons, it is principally observed in 

 winter, when an occasional specimen is exposed for sale in the 

 markets of the city. Living in the vicinity of sedges, reeds, 

 and other aquatic plants, and possessed of shy, retired, and 

 skulking habits, it generally escapes observation, as in most 

 cases it prefers threading its way through the thickest of the 

 herbage rather than trust to its powers of flight. 



However, when unexpectedly surprised at a distance from 

 herbage, it rises with a dangling motion of the legs peculiar 

 to the birds of this family, but if pursued by a dog, it runs 

 along the ground, with the body shaking from side to side, 

 until it reaches the cover of impervious aquatic herbage by 

 the river-side, where it is certain to baffle its pursuer. 



A water rail at one time in our possession became remark- 

 able for its familiarity and the pugnacity of its disposition, 

 and, like a pet canary, would run over to the side of the long 

 cage in which it was confined, fluttering with its wings and 

 striking at the same time with its bill at whatever intruding 

 finger disturbed it. A quail, equally remarkable for pugna- 

 city, if standing in its way when running along the cage, was 

 instantly pushed aside as if to afford an opportunity of evinc- 



