THE COOT. 
127 
THE CINEREOUS COOT. ( Fulica Americana.') 
This species makes its appearance in Pennsylvania about 
the first of October. Among the muddy flats and islands 
of the river Delawaref which are periodically overflowed, 
and which are overgrown with the reed, or wild oats, and 
rushes, the Coots are found. They are hot numerous, and 
are seldom seen, except their places of resort be covered 
with water ; in that case they are generally found sitting on 
the fallen reed, waiting for the ebbing of the tide, which 
will enable them to feed. Their food consists of various 
aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and, it is said, small fish. 
The Coot has an aversion to take wing, and can seldom 
be sprung in its retreat at low water ; for, although it walks 
rather awkwardly, yet it contrives to skulk through the 
grass and reeds with great speed, the compressed form of 
its body, like that of the rail genus, being well adapted to 
the purpose. It swims remarkably well, and, when wounded, 
will dive like a duck. When closely pursued in the water, 
it generally takes to the shore, rising with apparent reluc- 
tance, like a wounded duck, and fluttering along the surface, 
with its feet pattering on the water. It is known in Penn- 
sylvania by the name of the Mud-Hen. 
I have never yet discovered that this species breeds with 
us (says Wilson), though it is highly probable that some 
few may occupy the marshes of the interior, in the vicinity 
of the ponds and lakes, for this purpose ) those retired situ- 
