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BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 
PORPHYRIO MARTINICA. (Linn) 
Purple Gallinule. 
Adult Male . — Head, neck, and under parts, bluish purple, 
grading into black on the belly ; above, olive ; wing-coverts, bluish ; 
back, olive; crissum, white; frontal plate of the bill, blue; bill, red, 
tipped with yellow; legs, yellow. 
Length n, wing 6.50, tail 2.65, tarsus 2.30. 
Although very desirous of procuring this beautiful bird, I have 
never had the good fortune of seeing a living specimen. Dr. Bryant 
was more fortunate, and I include the species on his authority. He 
says, “ I think that this bird must be common ; but I met with but 
one specimen.” This Gallinule, as well as the preceding species, 
frequents the pools and inland ponds, generally preferring fresh 
water. In Florida this species is much sought after, and its skin 
commands a high price. 
Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. V. pi. 303. 
FULICA AMERICANA. Gm. 
Coot. 
Winter Plumage , Male. — Dark slate-color, becoming grayish on 
the abdomen ; head and neck, glossy blue-black ; olive markings 
upon the back ; edge of wing and ends of secondaries, white ; bill, 
