264 KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 
Famity RALLID/E. Rais, GALLINULES, AND CoorTs. 
SuBFAMILY RALLINUE. Raits. 
Genus RALLUS Linn. 
RALLUS ELEGANS Aud. 
King Rail. 
Adult: Upper parts dark brown; throat white; breast reddish brown; sides darker barred 
with white; back and scapulars brownish margined with olive gray; wings and tail dull brown 
or olive brown; wing coverts rufous brown. 
Length, 15.40; Wing, 6.55; Tarsus, 2.25; Bill, 2.50. 
Rallus elegans. Rallus virginianus. 
This species inhabits the fresh water marshes of Eastern United States 
from New England southward. 
It is not uncommon in Florida, where it breeds. The eggs are generally 
from nine to twelve, pale brownish white, spotted with reddish brown. 
