GALLINULA ruficollis, var.
Black-bellied Gallinule var.
Generic Character.
Gallinula. Briss. Cuv. Tem. Lath. Fulica, Rallus. Linn. Crex. Illiger.
Rostrum capite brevius, valdè compressum, conicum, rectum, apice compresso, mandibulâ inferiore angulatâ. Nares sulcatæ, membranâ obtectæ; aperturâ magnâ, oblongâ, perviâ, vix mediâ. Pedes elongati, grallarii, genibus nudis, digitis gracilibus tribus, halluce mediocri.
Bill shorter than the head, much compressed, conic, straight, the tips compressed, inferior mandible angulated. Nostrils sulcated, covered by a membrane; aperture large, oblong, pervious, nearly medial. Feet long, wading, knees naked, fore toes three, long, slender, hind toe (or thumb) short.
Generic type. Rallus porzana. Linn.