VIRGINIA RAIL (Rallus limicola): 9-101/2 in. Above dark brown; sides of head gray; white line over eye reaches bill; breast cinnamon; posterior portion of belly black crossed by lines of white; wings short; bill long, slightly curved near tip, brownish. Immature: Dull black above; chin and throat white; remaining under parts black and white. When walking jerks head and neck. Secretive.

Frequents freshwater marshes and sometimes salt marshes. C. V. to Yosemite region in summer. Has been seen in Yosemite Valley.

AMERICAN COOT

AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana): 13-16 in. (Ill. p. 20.) Head and neck black, setting off whitish bill; bill with dark spots at tip; most of rest of body slate-gray; white area under tail; iris red; feet greenish with lobed toes. Immature; Below whitish; no dark spots on bill; iris brown. Very young birds black with orange-red bill and orange on throat, head, and back. Moves head back and forth when swimming.

R. on lakes and marshes. In winter withdraws from higher altitudes to lowlands. C. V. to Yosemite region; on Merced River, Mirror Lake, and high Sierran lakes.

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