CAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL. 85 



than in summer, owing to the influx of birds from the northern 

 limits. This is especially noticeable in the basin of the Mediter- 

 ranean and in India. 



Allied Forms. — Fulka cristata, an inhabitant of the whole 

 of Africa and the southern portion of the Spanish peninsula. 

 Differs from the Common Coot in having no white on the wing, 

 and two crimson caruncles on the frontal shield. F. americana, an 

 inhabitant of North America. Differs from the Common Coot 

 in having a large amount of white on the under tail coverts. 

 The Coots inhabiting Japan, Java, and Australia have been 

 separated into distinct species, but the differences are not of 

 sufficient importance to warrant their recognition. 



Time during which the Common Coot may be taken. 

 — August ist to March ist ; otherwise by authority of owner or 

 occupier of land. 



Habits. — In many of its habits the Coot somewhat closely 

 resembles the Waterhen, although it is much more partial to salt 

 water, and rarely frequents such small streams and pools as so 

 often content that species. It shows a decided preference for 

 broad open waters, and the slow-running reaches of the larger 

 rivers. Like its ally the Waterhen, it lives in many places in a 

 semi-domesticated condition, and is then nothing near so wary 

 as in a wilder state. It is then one of the wariest of birds, and 

 by its excessive watchfulness repeatedly gives the alarm to other 

 wild fowl. As it feeds principally in the daytime, it is on the 

 alert when such species as Geese and Ducks are often sleeping ; 

 consequently these birds often seek the company of the Coot 

 during the day, as if conscious^ that they could rest in safety in its 

 vicinity. Although the Coot is graceful enough on land, and can 

 perch in trees with ease, even roosting in them at night, it is by 

 far the most at home in the water. It swims well, and dives 

 with wonderful skill, disappearing below the surface almost with 

 the rapidity of thought. In swimming it has the same bobbing 

 motion of the head as the Waterhen, and like that bird, fre- 

 quently dives and progresses under water to a safe retreat when 

 menaced by danger. Although it is flushed with difficulty it flies 

 well and quickly, yet in an apparently somewhat laboured 

 manner. Just as it rises the legs are allowed to hang down as if 



