The Jmall Water-Hen. Poliopus Gallínula minor.
Numb. LXXIII.
ÍT S Length, from the Point of the Bill to the End of the Tail, twelve
Inches and a half; Breadth, when the Wings are expanded, fourteen
Inches; Weight three Ounces and three quarters; it is in Shape
like the Water-Rail, but lefs.
The Bill fhorter than either the R ail's or Mor e-hen compreffed, or
narrow, fharp-pointed ; the under Mandible and towards the Bale in the
upper is rediih or orange Colour, the reft of the Bill dusky; the Noftrils
fmall, and of an oblong Figure; the Irides of the Eyes white, above
the Eyes on each Side is drawn a line of white.
The Head is of a dark brown with a Tindure of red; the upper
Side of the neck, Back, and Wings, were of the fame Colour, with
tranfverfe indented Lines of white at intervals; the Breaft and Belly of
a pale yellowilh hair Colour; on each Side below the Wings, was a Row
of tranfverfe Lines of black; the lower Part of the Belly, near the Vent,
was of a fordid rediih Colour.
The Tail is ihort confifting of twelve Feathers, of the lame Colour of
the Quill-Feathers, and what is efpecially remarkable in the Tail is, that
when fpread, it is not plain as in moft Birds, but notably concave; the
middle Feathers longer than the reft, their lateral Edges have fomething
of white. , • « t
The Legs and Feet are of the fame Colour and Figure, with the
common Water-Hens, viz . a fordid green; the Toes very long, and divided
to the Bottom; the hind Toe very ihort.
This Bird was brought me by William Lydal, from Niwgate-market>
which he bought there amongft other wild Fowl.