THE WATER-RAIL. 

 Rallus aquaticus, Linnaeus. 

 Plate 59. 



The Water-Rail is not uncommon as a resident in marshy places in England, 

 where it breeds in some numbers, and during winter others put in an appearance, 

 arriving from more northerly countries, whilst some of our home-bred birds move 

 southwards at the same time. 



It is less well known as a breeding species in Scotland, although occurring in 

 winter, but may be found at all times of the year in Ireland. It is also widely 

 distributed over Europe, Asia, and Africa. 



The nest, composed of the leaves of withered reeds or sedge, and hidden amongst 

 dense reed-beds or rushes, contains from eight to ten eggs, of a pale-cream colour 

 marked with reddish-brown and purplish-grey. 



In the breeding season this species utters loud, clamorous notes. 



Owing to its extremely shy habits the Water-Rail is seldom seen, unless for a 

 moment as it crouches and glides across some small opening among the reeds 

 or rushes. 



The food consists of worms, molluscs, and various insects, also the young 

 shoots of water-plants. 



The female resembles the male, being only slightly duller in colour. 



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