260 
NEW-YORK FAUNA — BIRDS. 
THE FRESHWATER MEADOW-HEN. 
Rallus elegans. 
PLATE XCIX. FIG. 221. 
(CABINET OF W. COOPER.) 
Clapper Rail. Wilson, Am. Orn. Vol. 7, pi. 62, fig. 2. 
Great Red-breasted Rail , or Freshwater Marsh-hen, R. elegans. Audubon, B. of A. Vol. 5, p. ICO, pi. 309. 
R. elegans . Linsley, Cab. Birds of Conn. p. 19. Giraud, Birds of Long island, p; 209. 
Characteristics. Blackish varied with rufous ; beneath bright bay or dull chesnut. Wing- 
coverts bright chesnut. Quills deep brownish black. Length, 18'0. 
Description. Bill somewhat more robust than the preceding, compressed, very slightly 
curved, 2' 6 long; the upper mandible notched at the tip. The naked shafts of the feathers 
on the forehead and crown black, polished, and more conspicuous. The first and seventh 
quills subequal; the shafts sinuous. Spur on the ridge of the wing prominent, incurved. 
Naked space of tibia 0 - 8 ; tarsus 2 - 4. 
Color. Above blackish or deep olive ; the feathers edged with rufous. Ridge of the wing 
white. Summit of the head brownish black. A grey line passes from the base of the upper 
mandible, above the eye, and round it, becoming effaced behind the eye; beneath the eye, 
ash-grey, bordered by the rufous color of the sides of the neck. Chin and upper part of the 
throat white; lower part of the neck, with the breast, bright chesnut. Flanks, axillaries, 
thighs, and lateral under tail-coverts blackish brown barred with white. 
Length, 17'0-19 - 0. 
This species is very rare, or at least has not often been observed in this State. Mr. Linsley 
found it in Connecticut, and is inclined to think that it even breeds there. He describes the 
eggs as larger and darker than those of the preceding species. Unlike the preceding, it is 
only found in swamps and meadows, and along freshwater streams. Its shy and retired habits 
may probably account for the very few that have been observed. Its utmost geographical 
range, that has been hitherto observe?, is from 28° to 41° north latitude; but it is most 
abundant from Carolina southwardly. Its history is incomplete. 
