CHAPTER VII 



MAKSH BIRDS 



The Crane family comprises eighteen species of large birds, 

 of which three are North American. They are omnivorous 

 feeders, eating frogs, mice, snakes, insects, and some vege- 

 table food found about marshes and plains. They migrate 

 in flocks, but at other times are more solitary. Because of 

 large size and few eggs laid, and persistent hunting, they 

 are rapidly decreasing in nmnbers. 



Fifteen species of Rails, Gallinules, and Coots inhabit 

 North America. Rails and gallinules are not strictly grega- 

 rious. Coots, however, are found in flocks. Rails seek 

 safety by running and secreting themselves, flying only 

 when pressed when flight is short, as they quickly drop back 

 to cover; yet in migration their flight is strong. Gallinules 

 are strictly marsh birds ; coots are aquatic, resembling ducks, 

 but are distinguished by their white bill and lobed feet. 



Phalaropes are found in the northern part of the North- 

 ern Hemisphere. They are peculiar in that the female is 

 the larger and more brightly colored; the male does the 

 wooing, constructs the nest, incubates the eggs, and cares 

 for the young. Although marsh birds, they are web-footed 

 and swim >vith the ease of a duck. 



Avocets are usually found in flocks, feeding in shallow 

 water. The bills are sensitive, enabling the bird to select 

 its food even if water is muddy, as it swings the bill from 

 103 



