i ewe. ‘ : -_—S Vile v 
FAMILY RALLIDA.—THE RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOTS. 
K Of this family the only one of much interest to sportsmen, is the Carolina. 
‘Rail which is the most numerous of the Rail family and is the only one much 
hunted for its flesh. It is a small bird with the following history. 
PORZANA CAROLINA (Bairp). 
THE CAROLINA RAIL: SORA RAIL. 
| Specific Character.—Above bright olive brown with longitudinal spots of 
black, some of the feathers edged with white; top of head with a broad longitudi- 
nal stripe of black; anterior portion of head, with chin and throat, black. Sides 
of head and Seas except as described, jugulum and breast, light plumbeous ; 
_ abdomen white ; anal region and crissum creamy white or pale buft : fianks sharply 
barred with white and slate colour. 
_ Length 8-9 inches; wing, 4.00 inches ; tail, 2.00 inches . bill, 3 inch ; tarsus, 14 
inches. 
1 
Habitat—The whole of temperate North America, but most common in the 
eastern provinces, south to New Grenada and Venezuela. Breeds chiefly in the 
northern part ofits range. This the common Sora Rail is very abundantly 
distributed during its spring and fall migrations. It passes north during April 
and May and returns in September, and remains till October or until there is a 
ep frost which usually makes it travel farther south. It frequents reedy or 
marshy flats where it can feed on the seeds of the reeds, ete., and can be hidden by 
“the cover, for itis a shy little bird, mainly moving about by running, seldom flying 
“unless forced to. When flushed by the gunner ‘it affords an easy “shot and often 
hv numbers may be taken inaday. It can dive or swim with great rapidity. 
Virginia they are hunted along the marshy banks of rivers at night, when 
lights are used, and the birds knocked down with the paddle as the boat is shoved 
Brough the reeds. Nests in fresh water marshes on a tussock of grass and. 
usually lays from seven to twelve eggs. 
