341 
COMMON GALLINULE. 
Gallinula chloropus, Latham. 
PLATE XXXII. 
Fulica chloropus, Linn. — Gallinula chloropus, Lath., <§■<:.— 
Poule d’eau ordinaire, Temm Common Gallinule, Wa- 
ter-hen, or Moor-hen, of British autluirs. 
This species is more aquatic than the true Rails, 
swimming freely, spending a great deal of its time 
in the -water, apparently diving at times in search 
of food, and always to avoid danger. It is com- 
monly distributed through our islands ; and, in ad- 
dition to the more extensive resorts of water fowl, 
is extremely fond of ponds, or still rivers, fringed 
with willow', brushwood, or any rank vegetation. 
Amidst these it finds shelter and a retreat in time 
of danger, and a convenient breeding place. It is a 
bird which becomes extremely familiar, and, if un- 
molested, will continue long about one spot, and 
will approach the vicinity of houses for food that 
is regularly laid for it. When pursued, it will run, 
or half fly to the nearest water, and will creep into 
holes, or dive amidst the vegetation, the bill merely 
kept above w’ater. In this position it requires a very 
