BIRDS OF DURHAM AND VICINITY. 
29 
who does not know the bird in both plumages. The young in the 
fall lack the black crown and back of the adult and, moreover, are 
much spotted with white, making them look decidedly speckled. 
Both immature and adult birds are characterized by the same slaty- 
blue ground color, and neither can well be taken for any other 
species of heron that is found here. The food of a specimen taken 
in May consisted of fish and shrimps, aquatic beetles and worms — 
nsh and shrimps predominating. Another stomach from a bird taken 
in September, contained three nematode worms, and remains of 
shrimp or other small crustaceans, tender grass shoots, and several 
dycotyledonous seeds, partially sprouted and devoid of husks. 
Order PALUDICOL/E. 
Family RALLID.^:. 
Rallus crepitans. Clapper Rail. 211. 
There is a specimen of this rail in the College collection that was 
brought to Portsmouth some years since by a southwest gale and 
dropped on the fiats near the city, where it was knocked over by a 
clam digger. As we are considerably north of its normal range, it is 
to be classed among the accidental visitors. 
Ralius virg-inianus. Virginia Rail. 212. 
Virginia Rails are regular visitants to the marshes along the coast, 
and sometimes breed at Hampton, according to Mr. S. A. Shaw, who 
has seen at least one nest there. Their season here lasts from early 
in May till late in September. As a family the rails are timid birds, 
living among the rank grass and weeds of marshes, and seeking safety 
by running oftener than by flying, so that if one would make their 
acquaintance he must search for them diligently and with more or less 
persistency, before he can drive them from cover. 
Porzana Carolina. Sora. 214. 
1 have not been able to find any direct evidence that the Carolina 
Rail, or Sora, nests in this section, but it is at least an abundant 
visitor to the marshes all along the coast in September, and sometimes 
obtained at Great Bay. At Hampton a few years ago one was killed 
in the spring, which had only one wing, the wound inflicted by the 
loss of the other wing being entirely healed. Where the bird spent 
the winter is a mystery. 
