FULICA AT R A. 



COMMON COOT. 



Generic Character. 



Bill fhort, ftrong, the upper mandible having at its bafe 



a calloffity, which extends up the forehead. 

 Noftrils pervious, long, narrow. 



Toes furrounded by broad fcalloped membranes, which 



are entire at the edges. 

 Tail very lhort. 



Synonyms. 



Fulica atra. Lin. Syjl. 1. p. 257. 2. Ind. Orn. 2. 

 A 77- *• 



Common Coot. Br. Zool. 2. 220. tab. 77. Ib. foL 

 132. tab. F. Lath. Syn. 5. p. 275. 

 1. Ib.fupt. p. 259. 1. tab. A. and B. 

 Mont. Orn. Dicl. vol. 1. Bewick's 

 Br. Birds, Pt. 2. p. 127. 



V [j ^ 



JL H I S fpecies is in length eighteen inches, in breadth near 

 two feet, and weighs from two pounds to two pounds and a 

 half ; bill ftrong, the calloffity at its bafe has much the appear- 

 ance of wax, the colour of this part varies with the feafon, 

 in the fpring it is of a pale blufh or rofe colour, but as the 

 feafon advances it declines in colour, and is in winter nearly 

 white ; irides hazel ; legs placed far behind ; membranes 

 furrounding the toes very tough, and beautifully veined \ in 



birds 



