Black Rail: Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis (Gmelin).—This is an uncommon summer resident in Kansas. Records of breeding and specimens taken in the breeding season come from Finney, Meade, Riley, and Franklin counties. Seasonal occurrence is within the period March 18 to September 26.
Breeding schedule.—Eggs are laid at least in June.
Number of eggs.—Clutch-size is about 8 eggs (6-10; 4). Nests are on the ground under cover of marsh plants.
Common Gallinule: Gallinula chloropus cachinnans Bangs.—This is a local summer resident in marshlands. Nesting records and specimens taken in the breeding season come from Barton, Stafford, Shawnee, Douglas, and Coffey counties. Occurrence in the State is from April through September.
Breeding schedule.—Eggs are laid in May and June.
Number of eggs.—Clutch-size is about 10 eggs.
Nests are in marsh grasses and other emergent vegetation, not necessarily over water.
American Coot: Fulica americana americana Gmelin.—This is an uncommon, local summer resident in wetlands in Kansas. Coots are at greatest abundance in autumnal and spring migratory movements, but are present all year. Nesting has been recorded from Barton, Stafford, Doniphan, and Douglas counties.
Breeding schedule.—Thirty-eight records of breeding span the period May 11 to June 30; the mode to laying is May 25. Earlier breeding probably occurs in the State.
Number of eggs.—Clutch-size is 8 eggs (7.7, 5-12; 28).