0) XI <lflryvi 1 If C^~-M 
8. Porzana jamaicensis, Cass. Black Bail. A specimen of this 
bird was shot at Jamaica, Long Island, by a Mr. Simpson, during the 
spring of 1879. It is now in my collection. — Kobert Lawrence, New 
York City. 
Bull. N, O.O, 5, April. 1880, p. Wf • 
The Little Black Rail on Long Island, N. Y. — On May 24, 1914, 
Messrs. J. M. Johnson, S. V. La Dow and I were on Jones’ Beach, opposite 
Amity ville, studying the shore-bird migration. We were walking through 
a grassy marsh, the others slightly ahead, when I saw a little bird running 
like a mouse behind a tussock some 10 feet ahead of me. Thinking it 
might be a rail, I rushed forward immediately and was lucky enough to 
flush the bird, which flew up in front of me about 3 feet away. It fluttered 
forward feebly a short distance, then turned and flew directly past me, 
not more than 10 feet away and about 2 feet above the grass, landing in a 
dense reed-bed some 30 feet behind. It looked about as large as a Song 
Sparrow, slate grey all over with black wings and back spotted with small 
white specks. The iris was bright red. Knowing it to be a Little Black Rail 
almost as soon as flushed, I shouted to my companions who immediately 
turned round and saw the bird while it flew past and back of me. They 
were able with glasses to make out all the color markings except the red 
eye. I had a pair of prism glasses, but was unable to use them as the 
bird was too near. The flight is much more feeble than that of any other 
rail with which I am familiar; the bird seemed barely able to sustain its 
weight in the air, while its legs dangled down helplessly behind. Unless 
seen at very close range this species would resemble, I think, a young 
Sora, though to anyone familiar with the latter species the great difference 
in size would be striking. Unfortunately I had no means of collecting it, 
and my last remark would seem to prejudice my case, were it not for the 
facts that (1) the Sora is a rare summer resident on Long Island, (2) its 
nest and eggs have never been found so early on Long Island as far as I 
know, and (3) in any case, it would be impossible for a young Sora to be on 
the wing by May 24. Finally I have been familiar with the Sora in all 
plumages for several years. Eaton in his ‘ Birds of New York ’ records five 
specimens of the Black Rail actually taken in the State, three of them from 
Long Island. It has also been reported as seen at close range on five 
occasions from the interior of the State. Accordingly this would be the 
fourth Long Island record and the eleventh for the State. — Ludlow Gris- 
com , New York City. \Arfu- tf/f'ft’ 
