208. Rallus elegans. 18 in.

Back handsomely patterned with black, olive-brown and gray; wing coverts reddish-brown; neck and breast, rich cinnamon-brown, brightest on the breast. Sides sharply barred with black and white. This species is the handsomest of the rails, and is the most distinctly and brightly marked. They are excellent runners and are very difficult to start from the marsh grass within which they are concealed. They are usually found in fresh water marshes, while the next species is most abundant in salt marshes; they are both often found in the same place and must be seen at close range to distinguish them.

Notes. - A loud "bup, bup, bup" repeated and ending in a roll. (Chapman).

Nest. - Of grass and weeds on the ground in marshes. The eggs are pale buff, spotted with reddish-brown (1.6x 1.2); June.

Range. - Breeds from the Gulf coast north to Conn., Ont., and Minn. Winters in southern U. S.