WADERS 215 



(the posterior toe — hallux — is absent. Compare with ostrich.) Its food 

 is identical with that of the partridge, whence the beak, as in gallinaceous 

 birds, is short and strong. 



Family 6 : Rails, etc. (Rallidae). 



The Common Coot (Fulica atra). 



(Length 18 inches.) 



This familiar bird is found throughout the whole summer (migratory 

 bird — why?) on all the larger ponds and lakes of Europe the banks of 

 which are bordered by reeds and rushes. The coot is not a regular 

 migrant in England, though it moves southward when northern waters 

 are frozen. Many winter on our South Coast, as at Slapton Ley in 

 Devonshire. The plumage is black, and there is a glossy white horny 

 plate (shield) on the forehead, the beak being of the same colour. It is 

 constantly engaged in swimming and diving, and, indeed, lives in all 

 respects like a typical swimming-bird (which see). The front-toes are 

 very long, and fringed with notched membranous lobes, thus functioning 

 as excellent oars. The bird lives on all sorts of vegetable substances and 

 aquatic animals. It cannot, however, like the duck, burrow with its beak 

 in the bottom of the water (the beak being short, narrow, and not pro- 

 vided with horny lamellae). 



Allied Species. 



The Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) (explain the name) is also a 

 frequent inhabitant of ponds, pools, and ditches. On account of the 

 small size of its habitation, its skill in hiding itself stands it in good 

 stead. On the approach of danger it hides in the reeds or dives under 

 water, allowing only its head, which is concealed among the reeds, to 

 project. Frequently also it holds on to plants under the surface of the 

 water, or hides itself under the leaves of the water-lily. 



During the nights of spring we may frequently hear in meadows and 

 fields the rattling call of the Landrail or Corncrake (Crex pratensis).* 

 It resembles the quail in the earthy colour of its plumage, but is easily 

 distinguished by its long wading legs. 



* In Germany it is known under the name of "king of the quails" (Waclitellconig), from 

 a, popular belief that it holds sway over these birds. 



