m 
ECONOMIC RELATIONS OF OUR BIRDS. 
Meadow mice, aquatic reptiles and fish; also large winged insects (De Kay). 
Fish, frogs, other reptiles and insects (Samuels). Mollusks, lizards, frogs, small 
snakes, and fish as well as insects (Coues). 
233. Ardetta exilis (Gm.) Gr. LEAST BITTERN. Group II. Class c. 
This is a common summer resident, but a very retired species, confining itself 
among the reeds of swamps and lakes. 
Food: Of four specimens examined, one had eaten five beetles and two other 
insects; one, a water-scorpion and twenty water-boatmen; one, four insects and 
a dragon-fly; and one, a small fish. 
Small fish (Wilson), Snails, slugs, tadpoles, water lizards, small shrews, and 
occasionally field-mice (Audubon). 
Family RALLIDJ): Bails. 
234. Rallus elegans, Aud. KING RAIL; FRESH MARSH HEN. 
Group I. Class c. 
I have seen but a single specimen of this species. It was observed among the 
reeds on Cold Spring pond, in Jefferson county. 
Food: Grass seeds, insects, tadpoles, leeches, small Cray-fish (Audubon). 
235. Rallus Virginianus, Linn. VIRGINIA RAIL. Group I. Class a. 
This is a common summer resident, frequenting damp meadows and reedy 
ponds. 
Food: One specimen examined had eaten five snails. 
Small snails, worms, larvae of insects (Wilson). Worms, aquatic insects, 
fresh-water shells and seeds of grasses (De Kay). Various insects and worms 
(Samuels). Small slugs, snails, aquatic insects, worms, crustaceans and seeds 
of grasses (Audubon). 
236. Prozana Carolina (Linn.), V. CAROLINA RAIL; CAROLINA 
CRAKE. Group I. Class c. 
This species is very abundant in all suitable places throughout the summer. 
Its favorite haunts are the sloughs, reedy lakes and ponds and the marshy banks 
of streams. 
Food: Of seven specimens examined, six had fed upon seeds; two had eaten 
six snails; two, two beetles; one, two leaf-hoppers. Two had fed upon duck¬ 
weed. 
Seeds of reeds (Wilson). 
237. Prozana noveboracensis (Gm.), Cass. YELLOW RAIL; YELLOW 
CRAKE. Group I. Class c. 
This species is mentioned by Mr. Nelson as not very rare in Northeastern 
Illinois, where it breeds. Dr. Hoy reports it as breeding in the state. I have 
not seen it. 
Food: Aquatic insects and seeds (De Kay). 
