122 
GALLINULA MARTINICA. 
GEXUS LV. — OALLINULA, Beisson. | 
239 . OALLJNVLA MAIiTlrflCA, LATHAM. 
OALLINULA FORFtiriUO, WILSON. MAHTINICO GALLINOLE-* I 
WILSON, PLATE LXXIII. FIG. II. EDINBURGH COLLEGE MCSE®’*' 
This splendid bird is a native of the southern 
of the continent of North America. I have ue''^| 
learnt that it migrates as tiir north as Virginia, thoi'?| 
it is probable that it may be occasionally seen in tK' 
State. It makes its appearance, in tbe Sea Islands 
Georg-ia, in the latter part of April, and, after spendiw 
the summer, it departs, with its young, in the autni'>*| 
The marshes of Mexico appear to be its winter rC’' 
dence. It frequents the rice fields and fresh wa**^ 
ponds, in company ivith the common gallinule ; but t'' 
latter, being of a more hardy nature, remains all wi»^^ 
both in Georgia and Florida. 
Diu-ing its migration this bird is frequently dil'"'^/ 
to sea; and I have known two or three instances*'' 
its having sought refuge on board of vessels. On 
24th May, 1824, a brig arrived at Philadelphia, 
New Orleans, bringing a line living sjiecimen, wh'f, 
had flown on board of her in the Gulf stream. 1"*'!' 
bird is now [1825] alive in the Philadelphia 
In the month of August, 1818, a storm drove anotl'* 
individual on board of a vessel, in her passage 
Savannah to Philadelphia. This also lived for s®*" 
time in Peale’s Museum. i 
The Martiuico gallinule is a vigorous and active b'*^ 
It bites hard, and is quite expert in the use of its 1®' 
When It seizc.s iqion any substance with its toes, 
rcctuires a considerable effort to disenj^a^e it. Its ^ j 
are long, and spread greatly. It runs with swiftn®-"*)' 
and, when walking, it jerks its tail in the manner , , 
the common rail. Its manners and food are some"'*’ j 
similar to those of the far famed purple gallinule, n'b 
* Named in the plate, Purple Gallinule. The description of 
bird is written by Mr Ord. I 
