THE WATER HEN. 



587 



substances, which they crack easily with tlieir powerful bills. Their very long toes enable them 

 to walk upon the floating herbage nearly as well as the Jacanas, and iipon land they are very 

 quick of foot. They use their long toes for carrying food to their beak, a habit which has 

 often been observed in the common coot. 



The Hyacinthine Gallinide is spread over a large extent of range, being found in many parts 

 of Africa, Asia, and Europe. It is graceful and quick in its movements, but is said to be 

 rather a stupid bird. Perhaps future observers may give a better account of its intellect. 

 The nest of this species is made in the sedgy parts of the morasses which it frequents, and con - 

 tains a i-ather small number of nearly wliite eggs. 



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HYACLNTHINE GALLINIS LK— B^rp/tyrio velemm. 



The color of the Hyacinthine Gallinule is rich blue, taking a dark indigo tone upon the 

 back, and assuming a lieautiful turquoise hue upon the head, neck, throat, and breast. The 

 under tail-coverts are white, the bill is light red, and the legs and feet are pinky-red. The 

 length of this bird is about eighteen inches. 



Ottr most familiar example of the Gallinules is the Water Hen, sometimes called the 

 Moor Hen. 



This bird may be seen in plenty in every river in Europe, and mostly on every pond 

 or sheet of water where the reedy or rushy banks offer it a refuge. It is a bold bird, though 

 sufficiently wary on occasions : and while it will slip quickly out of sight of a dog or a 

 man with a gun, will swim about vnth perfect self-possession in a pond by the side of a 

 railway, quite undisturbed by the sound and sight of the rushing train. When startled it 

 flies rapidly across the water with quick beating wings and dangling legs, leaving a long track 

 behind it, which will remain for some little time, like the wake of a ship. As it nears its 



