Indian Birds 
A beautiful purple-blue bird with very long 
red legs. The bill is red, as is a square shield 
which the bird carries on its forehead. It has 
a white patch under its tail. It is impossible 
to mistake this bird. There is none other like 
unto it in India. One frequently comes across 
it when out shooting. 
176. Fulica atra: The Coot. (F. 1405), 
(J. 903), (IV.) 
This is the most duck-like of all the rails, and 
indeed is very frequently shot and eaten as 
a duck by inexperienced sportsmen. However, 
its shining black plumage and its white bill 
and shield on the forehead serve to differ- 
entiate it from all Indian ducks. Moreover, 
when disturbed on the water, it experiences 
some difficulty in starting to fly. It runs along 
the surface of the water for a few feet with 
vigorous flappings of the wings and much 
splashing before it succeeds in lifting itself out 
of the water. It does not usually keep in flocks 
as ducks do. It breeds in India. It does not 
swim so high in the water as a duck. Its feet 
are not webbed, but its toes are pinnate, i.e. 
provided with flattened membranes which 
assist it in swimming. Its bill is not so flat 
as that of a duck. 
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