558 BRITISH BIRDS. 



5| inches ; -wliilst those from America are on an average larger, the length 



of wing varying from 7| to 6^ inches. 



Few birds are better known than the Waterhen, Moorhenj or GallinulCj 

 as it is called in different localities. It is a resident in our islands, 

 and almost every pool where the banks are sufficiently covered with vege- 

 tation to afford it shelter is inhabited by its pair of birds. Where the con- 

 ditions are favourable the Moorhen is very numerous, and a score or more 

 of these birds may often be seen swimming together. It is most partial 

 to large ponds, especially if they are full of weeds, and slow-running rivers 

 the courses of which are overgrown with aquatic vegetation of different 

 kinds. It does not occur very commonly on swift-flowing streams, but a 

 few pairs may generally be observed on those portions where the water is 

 still, especially if there be a few small islands covered with tall grass and 

 weeds in which they can find shelter and suitable breeding-places. In 

 many localities the Waterhen lives in a semi-domesticated state. On 

 many fish-ponds and ornamental waters it is so tame as to scarcely take 

 any notice of man; but it never loses its habitual wariness altogether, 

 for should any strange object appear, especially a dog, it will hurry off 

 at once to the water or take refuge amongst the reeds. It soon be- 

 comes accustomed to different sounds, and may be seen paddling about 

 close to the mill-wheel, or sitting quietly on the water within a few yards 

 of the passing railway-train . 



The Waterhen is as graceful in its movements on the land as it is in the 

 water, and it is a pretty sight to watch several birds early in the morning 

 or a little before dusk walking gracefally about the meadows or the 

 smooth turf- covered banks of the water. They invariably make their 

 appearance on land after a shower of rain, to search the grass for food 

 in company with Blackbirds, Starlings, and Thrushes. It walks about 

 slowly and sedately, sometimes running forward a few steps to catch an 

 insect, and its short tail is jerked up and down every few moments. The 

 Waterhen is by far the most frequently seen in the water, where it swims 

 with the greatest ease, notwithstanding the fact that its feet are not webbed. 

 It progresses in a peculiar manner, bobbing its head backwards and for- 

 wards, and every now and then diving in search of food or at the approach 

 of danger. It may often be seen running nimbly over the floating masses 

 of reeds and decaying vegetation, its long toes supporting it on the 

 treacherous surface. The Waterhen is often seen to chase its mate through 

 the water or splash about for amusement. It often floats quite motion- 

 less for several minutes in succession, as if intently listening for the 

 approach of an enemy. When its alarm subsides it may be watched 

 swimming about, every now and then picking an insect from the surface 

 or snapping at one as it passes by in the air. If alarmed when swimming 

 the bird usually dives under the surface at once, so quickly as often to 



