MARTINICO GALLINULE, 87 
which agreed with the above, with the exception of the mem- 
brane on the forehead being nearly as large and prominent 
as that of the male. From the circumstance of the eggs of all 
these birds being very small, it is probable that the coots do 
not breed until July. 
MARTINICO GALLINULE. (Gallinula Martinica.) 
PLATE LXXIIL.—Fie. 2. 
Gallinula Martinica, Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 769, 9; Gen. Syn. iii. p. 255, 7, pl. 88.— 
Fulica Martinica, Linn. Syst. ed. 12, i. p. 259, 7.—Fulica Martinicensis, 
Gmel. Syst. p. 700, 7.—La Petite Poule-sultane, Briss. Orn. v. p. 526, pl. 42, 
fig. 2.—Buff. Ois. viii. p. 206.—La Favourite de Cayenne, Pl. enl. No. 897, 
young ?—Peale’s Museum, No. 4294, 
GALLINULA? MARTINICA.—UatTHAmM.* 
Gallinula Martinica, Bonap. Synop. p. 336. 
Tuts splendid bird is a native of the southern parts of the 
continent of North America. I have never learnt that it 
migrates as far north as Virginia, though it is probable that 
it may be occasionally seen in that State. It makes its ap- 
pearance in the Sea Islands of Georgia in the latter part of 
April, and after spending the summer, it departs, with its 
young, in the autumn. ‘The marshes of Mexico appear to be 
its winter residence. It frequents the rice-fields and fresh- 
water ponds, in company with the common gallinule ; but the 
latter, being of a more hardy nature, remains all winter both 
in Georgia and Florida. 
During its migration, this bird is frequently driven to sea ; 
and I have known two or three instances of its having sought 
refuge on board of vessels. On the 24th May 1824, a brig 
* This species in form runs very much into the Porphyrio of Brisson ; 
but without specimens, I cannot decide whether it should rank there, 
or on the confines of Gallinula. The characters of the former group are 
the much greater strength of the bill, being almost as high as long, 
the greater proportional length of legs, and the splendid and metallic 
lustre of the plumage. In their manners they are partly granivorous, 
and live more upon land than the water-hens.—ED, 
