332 
Synopsis of the Birds 
small : neck well proportioned : body slender, much compres- 
sed. Feet moderate, rather robust, 4-toed; naked space of 
the tibia rather small ; tarsus not longer than the middle toe, 
reticulated ; toes three before, one behind, very long, slender, 
divided, edged by a decurrent membrane ; hind toe rather 
long, articulated almost on a level with the others, bearing on 
the ground good part of its length : nails slender, compressed, 
acute. Wings rather short, wide, somewhat rounded, con- 
cave, tuberculated ; third or fourth primary longest. Tail 
short, of twelve feathers. 
Female smaller, differing but little from the male. Young 
differing often from the parents. Moult once or twice in the 
year, without changing their colors. 
Solitary. Keep mostly near or in water ; moving nimbly 
on marshy weeds. Fond of concealment. Feed on small 
animals, and on seeds and other vegetable substances. Mono- 
gamous : lay once or twice in the year: both sexes sit in 
turn : eggs rounded, from five to sixteen. Young run about 
under the parental care, and provide for themselves as soon 
as hatched. Run swiftly. Fly slowly, at short distances, 
the feet hanging down. Prefer running to flying. When 
hard pushed, stop short and squat down, resorting to wing 
only at extremity. Flight only rapid when elevated. Voice 
hoarse. Flesh sapid. 
56. RALLUS. 
Rallus , L . Cuv . Vieill. Radius , Porpkyrio , Briss . Radius 9 
Parra , Fulica , Gm. Rallus , Gallinula , Lath. Temm. Ranz . 
Rallus , Crex. 111. Rallus , Ortygometra, Zapornia , Leach. 
Bill varying in length, thick at base, generally straight, 
compressed ; upper mandible furrowed each side, somewhat 
vaulted and curved at tip, base extending upwards between 
the feathers of the front ; nostrils in the furrows, medial 3 
oblong or longitudinal, open and pervious beneath, covered 
at base by a membrane : tongue moderate, narrow, com" 
