coot. 137 



The sea and open rivers it does not frequent, for want of the 

 reedy concealment in which it delights. 



The roosting-place of the Coot is on a tuft of grass or 

 reeds as far from the shore as can be found, on which it 

 either stands on one leg, or squats ; the only way to ap- 

 proach it is in a boat, and then even great silence must be 

 preserved. When the bird is by chance seen to walk on the 

 ground, its appearance is not very elegant, owing to the 

 formation and backward position of the legs, and the attitude 

 it necessarily requires to keep its balance, which is by carry- 

 ing its breast high, back arched, and tail lowered ; in running 

 it is obliged to take long strides, in order to prevent treading 

 on its own long toes ; but the strides when quickened by fear 

 increase its speed most wonderfully. 



When an enemy approaches while the Coot swims on open 

 water, it stretches its head and neck out at full length, aids 

 its course by flapping its wings, and runs on the surface of 

 the water with its pattering feet, thus producing an incredible 

 noise. Where many of these birds are acting in concert, 

 the sound may better be fancied than described. 



When pursued by a dog, it dives readily, and swims under 

 water to a great distance ; on reaching the reedy cover, it 

 takes hold of the stalks of the plants under water, and only 

 stick its beak out for air, until the danger is past ; and it thus 

 becomes very difficult for dog or man to find it again. We 

 need not add that the present species is very shy, but ex- 

 perience has proved that it may soon be tamed in confine- 

 ment where the required surface of water can be enclosed, 

 and food be provided, among which corn is a great in- 

 gredient ; under such circumstances, it thrives very well, and 

 lives for a length of time. 



The call- note of the Coot is very peculiar, and maybe 

 heard at some distance, it sounds like kew, or crew, it is 



