242 FEATHERED GAME 
The two species are found over much the 
same territory though the present one is of 
somewhat more southern habitat. 
FLORIDA GALLINULE. 
(Gallinula galeata.) 
This species, quite common in the South At- 
lantic and Gulf States, is only occasionally met 
in New England and corresponding latitudes, 
though specimens are rarely taken in the Mar- 
itime Provinces of Canada. In northern New 
England it is one of the least common of the 
marsh dwellers. It is seldom that more than 
two are taken in a season in this section, most 
years passing without the capture of a specimen 
being recorded in Maine. 
The Florida Gallinule loves the tranquil 
waters—the still lagoons overgrown with sedge 
and grass,—for there the floating vegetation of- 
fers the best chance for obtaining food. Much 
preferring the fresh water ponds and streams, 
this bird is rarely seen in the salt marshes and 
then usually he is some stray traveler on his 
way toward warm weather. In gait these birds 
are much like the domestic fowl, bobbing their 
