BREWSTER: BIRDS OF THE CAPE REGION, LOWER CALIFORNIA, on 
tober 18. It was usually seen in beds of tall reeds and cat-o’-nine tails growing 
about the margins of the lagoon, but on one occasion (September 20), when an 
exceptionally high tide had broken over the beach and raised the water several 
feet above its usual level, the birds were driven from their favorite haunts 
and forced to seek shelter ina neighboring wheat field, where many were 
flushed and killed. 
The Sora was seen by Mr. Anthony “in spring along the coast north of lat. 
31°” (Bryant). It is said to be common in California in winter, and accord- 
ing to Mr. Grinnell is found in Los Angeles county at all seasons, nesting 
in May among marsh grass or tules in swampy places.!_ Its migrations extend 
to northern South America. 
Gallinula galeata (Licur.). 
FLORIDA GALLINULE. 
It is singular that up to this time no one has reported the Florida Gallinule 
from Lower California, for Mr. Frazar found it both at San José del Cabo and 
Santiago. At the former place the first birds, three in number, were seen on 
September 13. A few days later they became abundant, remaining so up to 
October 10, after which their numbers diminished rapidly until, by the end of 
the month, all had apparently disappeared, the last being seen on the 28th. 
They frequented both the river and the lagoon at its mouth, but during the 
high tide already mentioned a good many, in company with Carolina Rails, 
sought shelter in a wheat field. At Sentiago several were observed as late as 
November 15 in the beds of tule about the lagoon, where it is possible they 
were intending to winter, and where a few may breed, also, although neither 
surmise is warranted by any present evidence. 
The Florida Gallinule is found from California to Chili on or near the Pacific 
coast, and it probably breeds (more or less locally) throughout this extended 
range. 
Fulica americana GMEL. 
AMERICAN Coot. 
Fulica americana Barrp, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, 301, 306 (Cape St. 
Lucas). Brxpine, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., V. 1883, 545 (Cape Region). 
Bryant, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 2d ser., II. 1889, 271 (Cape Region). 
Mr. Belding includes the Coot in his list of birds seen in the winter and 
spring of 1881-82, but mentions no special localities nor dates. Mr. Frazar 
found it only at San José del Cabo and Santiago. At the former place it ar- 
rived on September 10, and was very numerous during October and up to the 
date of Mr. Frazar’s departure, November 13. At Santiago a large number 
1 Pub. II. Pasadena Acad. Sci., 1898, 15, 
