The Moorhen. 



487 



bottom, or make their way, by walking on the bed of the river 

 or pond, or by swimming, to any thicket of rushes or herbage 

 where they can rest undiscovered. When submerged, they may 

 frequently be observed by the aid of a powerful field glass, as 

 they invariably keep the tips of their bills above the water to 

 obtain air. So long as they imagine themselves secure nothing 

 will disturb them, excepting a dog or an approaching boat ; 

 when thus alarmed, they will dash forward with a splashing 

 movement, and skim rapidly across the water, using their 

 feet and wings in precisely the same manner as a hunted 

 duck, and when they reach another place of safety will in- 

 stantly dive again, and act as before. This bird belongs to 

 the Waders, as it is not web-footed ; it can perch, and even 

 climb along the branches of a tree with ease and freedom, 

 and occasionally roosts on a branch overhanging a stream, or 

 one in close proximity to the water's edge. The Moorhen 

 leaves the water in like manner to a duck, even to the jerking 

 to and fro of the tail. It wanders about the shore picking up 

 worms, insects, grubs, and the seeds of aquatic and other 

 plants ; but it is much more alert and agile than the duck, 

 and runs about the shore as actively and restlessly as a Wag- 

 tail, and on the least alarm rushes into the water, and dives to 

 prevent observation — unless it happens to be too far away 

 from the water, when it suddenly takes to its wings, and flies 

 off to a place of retreat. 



In length this bird measures from 12in. to 14in., and 

 weighs from 14oz. to 16oz. The beak is deep orange, tipped with 

 olive green ; at the base is a bare membrane, reddish orange 

 in colour, which spreads across the forehead. The irides are 

 reddish orange. The head, upper part of neck, back, and wing 

 coverts, are blackish olive green ; the primary, wing, and tail 

 feathers, are dark brown ; the breast and belly are ashen grey ; 

 the outer edges of the wings, the vent, and under tail coverts, 

 are white. Immediately above the knees, at the commencement 

 of the naked space, are reddish orange rings. The legs are 

 olive green ; the toes are broad and flat. 



Habits and Bkeeding. — The Moorhen, Water Hen, or 

 Gallinule, as this bird is differently designated, is common in 

 England, and is found in many parts of the Continent, as well 

 as some parts of North America and the West India Islands. 

 In Germany it is very abundant. 



