MARSH BIRDS 111 



PURPLE GALLINULE 



The range of the Purple GaUinule is tropical America 

 to southern Illinois, wintering from Florida southward. 



This brilliant bird is common to the Southern States. It 

 is generally associated with the Florida gallinules, but is 

 marked by more brilliant plumage. 



"It has httle of the aspect of a gallinule, but stands 

 higher, and has its legs more forward. As it walks, the 

 neck is alternately bridled up or thrown forward, and its 

 short black and white tail is changed from a semi-erect to a 

 perpendicular position, with a flirting motion. As this bird 

 walks over the tangled leaves and stems of aquatic plants 

 resting on the surface of the water it moves with great 

 deliberation, frequently standing still and looking leisurely 

 about. Ever on the lookout for any danger that may 

 menace it, at the least noise it hides among the rushes. Only 

 when its place of concealment is invaded is flight attempted, 

 when progress in the air is heavy and not well sustained. 

 Its voice is loud and strong, but has in it nothing remark- 

 able. 



"Worms, mollusks, and the fruit of aquatic plants are 

 its food. It gathers seeds and carries them to its beak with 

 its claws, and it also makes use of its claws in clinging to 

 the rushes, where the water is very deep." (Brewer.) 



The nest is a platform of reed stalks built in rushes over 

 water or in marshes; eight to ten eggs are laid. The eggs 

 are spotted and smooth shelled, and the nestlings when first 

 hatched are clad in dark-colored brown. 



