MOORHEN 
255 
creamy yellow, spotted rather sparingly with faded 
reddish-pink and with grey. They are slightly 
smaller than the Land-raiFs egg, and very much 
like a weakly coloured or faded specimen in their 
tints and markings. The Water -rail utters a loud 
and peculiar cry during the breeding season, quite 
different from the " crake " of the Land-rail. 
When disturbed it makes its escape by slipping 
swiftly through the reeds and undergrowth, and 
can scarcely be forced to take wing. 
MOORHEN. 
{Gallinula chloropus.) 
Waterhen. — The Moorhen is one of the best 
known of British water-birds, and is familiar at all 
times of year. During the winter, however, it 
often leaves many of the smaller pools and streams, 
and while returning to its breeding-places in April 
it may sometimes be found in unexpected situations 
far from water or among the foliage of thick ever- 
green trees. It often becomes partially tame, and 
will feed in company with domestic hens and ducks 
in poultry-yards near its natural haunts. Its sharp, 
croaking cry is well known in the neighbourhood 
of the water-side. Though not a brightly-coloured 
bird, there is a great deal of beauty about its quietly 
