Voices of a New England Marsh 



47 



especially when on the wing, it sometimes utters a rattling oc-oc-oc-oc-oc 

 and more rarely a deep, hollow groan very impressive when heard, as is 

 often the case, in the depths of some heavily shaded swamp. 



About the middle of April we begin to hear in our marshes, usually in 

 the early- morning, late afternoon or during cloudy weather, and coming 



VIRGINIA RAIL. (One-half natural size) 



from some briary thicket or bed of matted reeds, a guttural cut, cut, cutta- 

 cutta-cutta repeated at brief intervals, often for hours in succession. This 

 is occasionally interrupted or closely followed by a rapid succession of low 

 yet penetrating grunts not unlike those of a hungry pig. The Virginia 

 Rail is the author of both these sounds, the former appearing to be peculiar 

 to the male and, no doubt, his love song. When heard very near at hand 

 it has a peculiar vibrant quality and seems to issue from the ground directly 

 beneath one's feet. The grunting notes are given by both sexes but, with 



