30 
BIRDS OP DURHAM AND VICINITY. 
Porzana noveboracensis. Yellow Rail. 215. 
I cannot learn that this rail has been observed in this section 
except at Hampton, where it is only rarely seen, about the first of 
September. It is the smallest of its family to visit us, being but six 
inches long. The only specimen that I have been able to find is in 
the collection of ?vlr. Shaw at Hampton. 
lonornis martinica. Purple Galllxule. 218. 
A Purple Gallinule was killed at Rye some years since and mounted 
by Mr. Joseph Turner of Portsmouth. Another specimen ha<s been 
taken at \Villand\s pond, Dover, according to Mr. George F. Went- 
worth of that city. These two are the only instances of this gallinule's 
presence in this vicinity that I can cite. The gallinules resemble the 
coot in general appearance, though they are a little smaller, and liave 
no scalloped membranes on their toes. In habits they are similar to 
rails. 
Gallinula galeata. Florida Gallinule. 219. 
Mr. George Wentworth of Rolliasford has an immature specimen of 
this species, which he killed by a brook near his house some years 
since. This species, like the last, is to be accounted among our rare 
visitants. 
Fuliea americana. American Coot. 221. 
The Coot, or Mud Hen, is most likely to be seen in the fall between 
the last of August and the middle of October. It swims well but 
with a jerky motion of its head as if beating time for the movements 
of its feet. Generally, it keeps close to marshy shores, where it finds 
seclusion among the grass and rushes that grow in shallow water; but 
sometimes one is found out in clear sailing. It is not a difficult bird 
to approach especially when out from shore, where there is no place 
to hide. A coot's stomach which I once opened contained bits of 
grass and a considerable amount of sand. 
Order LIMICOL^. 
Family PHALAROPODID.-E. 
Crymophilus fulicarius. Red Phalarope. 222. 
The Red Phalarope is sometimes seen during the fall migrations 
along the coast. Gunners tell me that it seldom comes ashore, but is 
generally seen flying over the sea or floating with the drift. Occa- 
sionally, however, they are seen on the beach in company with 
