LIMPKIN. 103 



Nest. Amid rushes or upon a low bush, on the margin of a pond or 

 stream ; made of vine-leaves and grass. 



Eggs. 4-8 ; buffy white or grayish white spotted with brown and 

 gray; variable in size, average about 2.40 X 1.70. 



This singular bird principally inhabits Cayenne, Brazil, and 

 Paraguay, where it is rather common ; it is numerous in the 

 island of Cuba and other warm parts of America. In the 

 United States, Florida appears to be its most natural residence, 

 and a few instances have occurred of its visiting the Middle 

 States. The Courlan leads a solitary life, or only associates by 

 pairs. By night as well as day it is heard crying out in a loud 

 and sonorous voice carau I and is well entitled to the name of 

 the supposed " crying-bird " of Bartram. Mollusca, frogs, and 

 other aquatic animals are its ordinary food. It is very shy, 

 carefully hiding itself; but when aware of being discovered, it 

 starts rapidly to a great elevation, and its flight is long con- 

 tinued. It also walks with great agility, but never willingly 

 wades into the water. It alights on the summits of trees, and 

 builds in the grass, near stagnant water, concealing the nest 

 with much art. The young are covered with blackish down 

 when hatched, and soon follow their parents. Like the Rail, 

 this bird runs swiftly through the grass, compressing its narrow 

 body so as to pass through a small hole, and is very difficult to 

 catch when wounded. 



This species has been named Limpkin by naturalists, because 

 that is the name by which it is known in Florida, — the only State 

 of the Union in which the bird is found. The name is said to have 

 been suggested by the walk of the bird, its movements resembling 

 the motions of a lame person. 



In Jamaica it is called the " Clucking Hen," from its habits of 

 sauntering along and deliberately clucking like a fowl. 



Dr. Bryant reported finding a nest containing fifteen eggs ; but 

 five or six has been the usual number of the sets taken during 

 receiit years. 



