The Coot lays from seven to ten eggs, of a dingy stone colour or dull buff, spotted and speckled with brown; the spots are less numerous but darker than the speckles. Her nest is situated in marshes and ponds, and is composed of decaying sedges, reeds, flags, and rushes; and, though of clumsy appearance, is very strong. It is built on willows that grow amongst the water, on tufts of rushes, and more commonly among reeds. It has been known to be dislodged from its position by a flood, and swept ashore whilst the bird was incubating without any apparent inconvenience to her.
EGGS.
1. Water Rail. 2. Common Bunting. 3. Yellow Hammer.
4. Gyr Falcon. 5. Jack Snipe. 6. Red-backed Shrike.
7. Chough. 8. Fieldfare. 9. Puffin.
THE WATER RAIL.
As might be expected, the nest of this bird is composed of sedges and flags, in somewhat considerable quantities, and is situated under thick cover in osier-beds and swamps in which alders grow, more especially in the southern counties of England. The hen lays from six to nine eggs of a creamy-white, with a few small reddish spots and dots.
THE COMMON BUNTING.