444 



THE VIRGINIA RAIL.' 



No. 198. 



VIRGINIA RAIL. 



A. O. U. No. 212. Rallus virginianus Linn. 



Description. — Adult : An almost exact miniature of the preceding species 

 (q. z.'.) ; generally coloration perhaps more strongly rufous; blackish barring of 

 lower parts more restricted ; sides of head ashy gray; bill red, darker above. Im- 

 mahirc birds show blackish more extensively on. lower parts. Length 8.00-10.50 

 (203.2-266.7) ; wing 4.15 (105.4) ; tail 2.00 (50.8) ; bill 1.50 (38.1) ; tarsus 1.33 

 (33.8) ; middle toe and claw 1.78 (45.2). 



Recognition Marks. — Robin size (to appearance) ; marsh-prowling habits. 

 I'he long reddish bill and rufous coloration serve to distinguish this bird from 

 the following species. 



Nest, of sedge and grasses in tussock of swamp. Eggs, 6-12, pale buffy or 

 creamy white (of noticeably lighter coloration than those of the succeeding 

 species) ; spotted and dotted with reddish brown and obscure lilac. Av. size, 

 1.25 X .95 (31.8 X 24.1). 



General Range. — Nortia America from the British Provinces south to Guate- 

 mala and Cuba. 



Range in Ohio. — Rather common summer resident ; more common northerly, 

 rare in extreme southern portion of state. Nowhere so common as the next 

 species. 



Taken in Lorain County. 



THE HOME OF THE VIRGINIA RAIL. 



Plioto bj the Author. 



