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GALLINULA MARTINICA. 
GENUS LV. — GALLINULA, Brissox. 
289. GALLINULA MARTINICA , LATHAM. 
GALLINULA PORPHYRIO , WILSON. MARTINICO GALLINULE. * 
WILSON, PLATE LXXIII. FIG. II. EDINBURGH COLLEGE MUSEUM. 
This splendid bird is a native of the southern parts 
of the continent of North America. I have never 
learnt that it migrates as far north as Virginia, though 
it is probable that it may be occasionally seen in that 
State. It makes its appearance, in the Sea Islands of 
Georgia, in the latter part of April, and, after spending 
the summer, it departs, with its young, in the autumn. 
The marshes of Mexico appear to be its winter resi- 
dence. It frequents the rice fields and fresh water 
ponds, in company with the common gallinule ; but the 
latter, being of a more hardy nature, remains all winter 
both in Georgia and Florida. 
During its migration this bird is frequently driven 
to sea ; and I have known two or three instances of 
its having sought refuge on board of vessels. On the 
24th May, 1824, a brig arrived at Philadelphia, from 
New Orleans, bringing a fine living specimen, which 
had flown on board of her in the Gulf stream. This 
bird is now [1825] alive in the Philadelphia Museum. 
In the month of August, 1818, a storm drove another 
individual on board of a vessel, in her passage from 
Savannah to Philadelphia. This also lived for some 
time in Peale’s Museum. 
The Martinico gallinule is a vigorous and active bird. 
It bites hard, and is quite expert in the use of its feet. 
When it seizes upon any substance with its toes, it 
requires a considerable effort to disengage it. Its toes 
are long, and spread greatly. It runs with swiftness ; 
and, when walking, it jerks its tail in the manner of 
the common rail. Its manners and food are somewhat 
similar to those of the far famed purple gallinule, whose 
* Named in the plate, Purple Gallinule. The description of the 
bird is written by Mr Old. 
