173. Botaurus lentiginosus Steph. American Bittern.—Occurs during migrations; none observed in the breeding season or in winter.
174. Ardetta exilis Gray. Least Bittern.—Common during migrations; rare in summer; breeds in the marshes of tule reeds and water shrubs, such as Cephalanthus occidentalis and Pinckneya pubescens, in company with Herons and other water fowl.
175. Grus americana Temm. Whooping Crane.—From November to the end of March these beautiful birds are exceedingly abundant on all the low prairies in the vicinity of Houston. Very shy.
176. Grus canadensis Temm. Sandhill Crane.—Even more abundant than the preceding. Observed flocks of many hundreds on the low prairies in the western and northern parts of Harris County. Very shy.
177. Porzana carolina Bd. Carolina Rail; Sora.—Seen in summer, breeds. but I have not discovered the nest.
178. Porzana noveboracensis Cass. Little Yellow Rail.—Very rare during migrations.
179. Porzana jamaicensis Cass. Little Black Rail.—One taken April 29, 1879.
180. Gallinula galeata Bonap. Florida Gallinule.—Common during the breeding season in all marshes where reeds and bushes grow, but especially so where the magnificent Nymphæa odorata (Water-Lily) opens its fragrant flowers, and where Nuphar advena (Yellow Pond Lily) and another beautiful aquatic, Nelumbium luteum (Water Chinquepin), are found; over the broad leaves of which plants the little Florida Gallinule runs with exceeding quickness, searching for water insects and other food.
181. Fulica americana Gmel. American Coot; Mud Hen.—Decidedly more numerous than the preceding. Especially common in the large prairie swamps.
182. Cygnus buccinator Rich. Trumpeter Swan.—Every winter there are large numbers on Galveston Bay and on the Gulf of Mexico near the coast.