194 GRALLATORES. FULICA. Coot. 
Foulque Macroule, Temm. Man. d’Ornith. 2. 706. 
Schwartzes Wasserhuhn, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. 4. 511. 
Greater Coot, Penn. Br. Zool. 2. No. 221.—Lath. Syn. 5. 277. 2.— Will. 
(Angl.) 320.—Mont. Ornith. Dict. 1.— Bewick’s Br. Birds, 2. 137. 
Common Coot, Penn. Br. Zool. 2. 494. No. 220. pl.77.—Arct. Zool. 2. No. 
416.—Albin.’s Br. Birds, 1. pl. 83.—Lath. Syn. 5. 271.—Id. Sup. p. 259. 
Will. (Angl.) 319. t. 59.—Lewin’s Br. Birds, 5. t. 198.—Pult. Cat. Dor- 
set.—Mont. Ornith. Dict. and Sup.—Bewick’s Br. Birds, 2. 133.—Shaw’s 
Zool. 12. 234. pl. 29. 
Provinc1at—Bald Coot, Bel-poot. 
Dourine the summer, the Coot is very generally dispersed 
throughout this kingdom, as there is scarcely a large piece 
of water (provided it is partially covered with reeds, or other 
tall aquatic plants), to be found without a colony of these 
birds. Mownracu states them to be permanent residents in 
the southern parts of England, and as never forsaking their 
breeding places, even though these may be smaller ponds ; 
but, at the same time, he hints the probability that the vast 
flocks which are seen in the Southampton River, and other 
salt-water inlets, in winter, are bred farther to the north- 
ward, and resort to these places only as visitants at that 
period. Of the correctness of this supposition I entertain no 
doubt, as a long course of observation has shewn that the 
Coots m the north of England and in Scotland regularly 
quit their breeding stations in,autumn; and that, after the 
month of October, not an individual is to be seen in their 
summer haunts. Their return in spring, as nearly as I can 
ascertain, takes place towards the end of April, or the begin- 
ning of May.—The Coot swims with buoyancy and ease, 
and is also an excellent diver; which latter faculty it fre- 
quently exerts to obtain food, as well as to escape from dan- 
ger. Like the Gallinules, and others of the Ralkde, it is 
very timorous and impatient of observation ; and, when dis- 
turbed, immediately makes for the reeds or thick sedges (the 
necessary appendages to its habitat), where it effectually 
conceals itself, and remains so as long as the intruder conti- 
nues in sight. Although generally seen in the water, it is 
far from being an inactive bird on land, as Bewick and 
