Genus LXXX. GALLTNULA. GALLINULE. 
Species I. G. MARTINICA. 
MARTINICO GALLINULE.* 
[Plate LXXIII. Fig. 2.] 
Gallinvla Martinica, Lath. hid,. Orn. p. 769, 9. Gen. Syn. in., p. 255, 7, pi. 88. — 
Fulica Martinica, Linn. Syst. ed. 12, i., p. 259, 7. — Fulica Martinicensis, Gmel. 
Syst. p. 700, l.—La petite Poule- Sultan e, Briss. Om. v., p. 526, pi. 42, fig. 2.— 
Buff. Ois. vnr., p. 206. — La Favourite de Cayenne, PI. Enl. No. 897, young? 
This splendid bird is a native of the southern parts of the continent 
of North America. I have never learned that it migrates as far north 
as Virginia, though it is probable that it may be occasionally seen in 
that state. It makes its appearance, in the Sea-islands of Georgia, in 
the latter part of April ; and after spending the summer, it departs, 
with its young, in the autumn. The marshes of Mexico appear to be 
its winter residence. It frequents the rice fields and fresh-water ponds, 
in company with the Common Gallinulc ; but the latter, being of a more 
hardy nature, remains all winter, both in Georgia and Florida. 
During its migration, this bird is frequently driven to sea, and I have 
known two or three instances of its having sought refuge on board of 
vessels. On the 24th May, 1824, a brig arrived at Philadelphia, from 
New Orleans, bringing a fine living specimen, which had flown on board 
of her in the Gulf Stream. 
In the month of August, 1818, a storm drove another individual on 
board of a vessel, in her passage from Savannah to Philadelphia. This 
also lived for some time in Peale's Museum. 
The Martinico Gallinule is a vigorous and active bird. It bites hard, 
and is quite expert in the use of its feet. When it seizes upon any 
substance with its toes, it requires a considerable effort to disengage it. 
Its toes are long, and spread greatly. It runs with swiftness ; and, 
when walking, it jerks its tail in the manner of the Common Rail. Its 
manners and food are somewhat similar to those of the far-famed Purple 
Gallinule, whose history is so beautifully detailed in the works of 
Buffon. 
* Named in the plate Purple Gallinule. 
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