PURPLE WATER HEN. BALDCOOT. 185 



shore near Kerry, and came under the observation of Dr. 

 Williams, of Dingle, in a recent state. 



This rare species was first noticed by its present possessor, 

 Richard Chute, Esq., of Blennerville, county of Kerry. 



Habitat North America. 



GENUS XCI FULICA (COOT). 



SPECIES 178 THE BALDCOOT. 



Fulica atra. Linn. 



Foulque macroule. Temm. 



Black Diver. White-faced Diver. 



THIS fine-looking bird, reminding us by its general shape and 

 fulness of form of the ducks, is rather sparingly distributed 

 over the island, and that generally in retired localities. Af- 

 fecting and resorting to the sides of rivers and large pools, 

 its most favourite haunt is the neighbourhood of those lakes 

 with which the island is so picturesquely studded. Nearly 

 similar in habits to the water hen, we observe the baldcoot 

 sailing on the surface of the water with the same light and 

 buoyant motion that so much distinguishes that species. At 

 all times in summer, and occasionally in winter and spring, 

 we hear it emitting its loud and piercing cry, which has been 

 likened to the sound of a trumpet. 



When alarmed, we see an attempt made at concealment, 

 by diving and swimming under water to the projecting shelter 

 of whatever herbage may be in its vicinity ; also, when pur- 

 sued by dogs, it in most cases trusts only to its powers of 

 diving to elude pursuit. 



During winter the baldcoot deserts the residence it had 

 occupied in the summer, and appears off the coast in small 

 flocks, diving and displaying all the habits of the true ducks 

 in their natatorial powers. Well known to the inhabitants 

 of the coast at that time, they are indifferently termed white- 

 faced and black divers ; but, from the coarseness of their flesh, 

 are generally secure from the skill of the duck-shooter, whose 

 shot is seldom thrown away upon chances not profitable. 



When observed on the wing, which is but seldom, the coot 

 flies heavily, with the legs dangling and hung out behind. 



A nest which we examined in aquatic herbage, on a little 

 island in a mill-pond near Dublin, appeared so very large and 

 cumbersome in its structure as to have suggested the idea of 

 its being used yearly as a breeding site ; and fresh material 

 worked in upon the old decayed plants, forming the nest of 



