COOTS.— FLAMINGOS. 97 



62. The Coots, — Fultca, — are readily distinguished from the 

 Rails by a sort of horny plate, which extends from the base of the 

 beak, and covers the forehead. This genus comprises the Wafer- 

 Hens, — GalUinila, — which are characterised by their very long 

 toes, furnished with a narrow border. In general, they live 

 singly or in couples, sometimes in small troops of three or four, 

 on stagnant waters ; they swim and dive readily ; during a great 

 part of the day they keep concealed amongst reeds and rushes, 

 and venture only upon the surface of the waters at night. Their 

 flight, during which their legs are pendent, is neither lofly, sus- 

 tained, nor rapid. There is one species widely spread in Europe. 



The American Coots resemble those of Europe. 



FAMILY OF FLAMINGOS. 



63. This division of the Order of Grallatoriae is composed of 

 a single genus, which is very remarkable for the singular struc- 

 ture of its beak, and the disproportionate length of the legs and 

 neck. {Plate 5. fig. 11.) 



64. Flamingos, — Phcenicoptervs, — are large birds that stand 

 high on their legs ; they have palmate feet, an extremely long, 

 slender neck, a small head, the upper mandible flat, and suddenly 

 bent down at its middle to be applied over the lower mandible 

 which is oval, and longitudinally hollowed into a semi-cylindrical 

 canal ; the edges of both mandibles are furnished with very 

 delicate little transverse plates like those of ducks, and their tongue 

 is thick and fleshy. They live on shell fish, insects, and the eggs 

 of fishes, which they obtain by means of their long neck, and by 

 bending down the head, to use the hook of the upper mandible to 

 advantage. 



65. The most common species is spread over the eastern con- 

 tinent, as far as the fortieth degree of north latitude. Numerous 

 troops are seen every year on the southern shores of France, and 

 sometimes they ascend as far as the river Rhine. The Red 

 Flamingo, — Phoenicopterus ruber, — is from three to four feet 

 high, of a purple red on the back, and rose coloured wings. Its 

 habits are very remarkable. These birds are always in troops, 

 and they form a line for the purpose of fishing, and this disposi- 

 tion to be in fiile remains, even when they repose on the shore. 

 They apf)oint a sentinel for their common security; whether 



62. How are Coots distinguished from Rails ? What are the characters 

 of Waler-Hens ? What are their habits ? 



63. Is there more than one genus in the family of Flamingos? 



64. How are Flamingos characterised 1 



65. W^hat are the characters of the Red Flamingo ? What are its habits ? 

 Upon what do Flamingos feed ? 



