a&

Wer JPo7

GALLINULA CHLOROPUS.

Moorhen.

Fulica chloropus, Linn. Syst. Nat., tom. i. p. 258.
Gallinula, Briss. Orn., tom. vi. p. 3, pel
Gallinula chloropus, Lath. Ind. Orn., vol. ii. p.
——— parvifrons, Blyth.

akool, Jerdon.

770.

Tue information gained by the ornithologist who makes the Birds of the world his study should not, in
my opinion, be withheld from those who take an interest in our native birds only

It will, I am sur
Q . é ’ Cc
not be considered out of place, then, if, in some :

instances, I preface my remarks by briefly noticing

"of th immediate form, as I shall thereby be enabled to show
that if similar physical conditions exist in other countries, however distant they may be, there will

frequently be found birds of the same kind, and very often, but not alwa
render my remarks more clear, let me state that the distant countr
by a Swift and a Swallow; it has also a Coot and a Moorhen.
a Coot. These representative species (for they

a few of the other known species of the same

ys, of the same species. To
y of Australia is tenanted, like England,
North America, too, has a Moorhen and
are not the same) are most interesting to the ornithologist,
and tend greatly to enhance the importance of his favourite science. The emigrant, who quits his native
home, bidding adieu to all that has ever been dear to him, also hails with great ple

asure these representative
birds of the land of his adoption, and, of course, considers them the same ;

but were examples from the two
countries placed side by side, he would soon perceive their differences, slight though they may be. Enough
has been said to convey the meaning intended by these remarks, which are not made for the scientific
ornithologist, but for the information of those readers of ‘The Birds of Great Britain’ whose occupations,
and perhaps tastes, prevent them from entering deeply into this branch of natural science.

In Great Britain the Moorhen is a constant resident; and although it may be less numerous in some
counties than in others, its distribution may be said to be general ; for England, Ireland, Scotland, and even
the Islands of Orkney and Shetland alike enumerate it as among the commonest of their birds. A much
more extended range than that of the British Islands is, however, enjoyed by this bird, even more extensive
than the entire continent of Europe; for I believe it is resident in all suitable situations throughout Africa,
from the shores of the Mediterranean to the Cape of Good Hope; India, too, is inhabited by Moorhens,
which offer no specific differences from our own bird; and I have a specimen now before me from Shanghai
in China, presented to me by John R. Reeves, Esq. My readers will therefore readily perceive how exten-
sively this bird is spread over the Old World. That the southern part of the peninsula of India is the extent
of its range towards the equator in that country is, I think, very probable.

The situations affected by the Moorhen in the British Islands are the sedgy banks of lakes and rivers,
reedy ponds, moats, beds of osiers, wet ditches, &c. It IS naturally shy and mectnses ee Pee
of man by immediately retreating from the open to the thick covert, or shrouding ee hea oO oe J
diving, and remaining half submerged until the apprehended danger nes disappearec 3 ms note shyness,
ndered semi-domesticated, when its singular but graceful

On the water the Moorhen is as buoyant as a cork, and
birds; and it is by no means ungraceful on

however, is frequently overcome, and the bird is re
actions contribute to our pleasure and amusement.
its powers of swimming are as perfect as those of most water-
the land. Its neatly trimmed body, richly coloured bill, and red-

3 5 ‘ Ae > lo cover
5 mage. It frequently leaves the sedgy Ce : ; d
the sombre tint of its plumag q y ce of a land-bird, flirting its tail from side to side,

ally during the season of courtship. At this parti-
The short, harsh cry of the males is now heard
any battles and skirmishes

gartered green legs contrast strongly with
ts, and quietly walks over the grassy

meads, lawn, or pleasure-ground or garden, with all the ea
and conspicuously displaying the white under-coverts, espec!
cular period the Moorhen becomes animated and noisy. ee
i i lose 1 21 re admissible

from the midst of the thick reeds; and if a close inspection ae he oe ee at ae

stness : ‘hoic a mate. 1e Moor

i 7 witnessed for the choice of i

a across the river, and perchance lands in the neighbourhood of
a

: a : manner in which the. rat has
it st. Ihave seen a Moorhen furious at such an intrusion ; and from the ma Ee
ae Ei. ‘d that locality for the future. Boldness and pugnacity appee
avoid thé ality

3 ig an)
Isome disposition renders it an unpleasant neighbour to any

Thi -ait in its character which will not

aceful bird that may live in close contiguity. This leads me to a a uw oe en

oun 1 “edi ill i ‘ht to be known. The Moorhen comes walking ng a :

i eee oe tbe lek ing 1 -t. uplifted tail, apparently all peace and amiability ;
head first to the right, then to the left, jerking 16s short, uplit

an extraordinary manner, when a rat swims

been assailed, I suspect he would
part of the Moorhen’s nature, and its quarre