Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/39

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some years past there has been much discussion in 'The Zoologist' concerning the nesting habits of Moor-hens. Opinion among some ornithologists still seems to be divided as to whether these birds cover their eggs on leaving their nests. During four years I have had several pairs of Moor-hens under observation; and in the case of dozens of nests I have never seen the eggs covered. During the spring of 1900 I found a nest carefully domed over with reeds, almost perfectly hiding the contents from any egg-stealing bird that might pass over; but, with this one exception, I have never known of a Moor-hen trying to conceal her eggs.

It is not with this question, however, that I would particularly deal, but rather with an overlooked habit of this species.

On July 3rd, 1899, I roused a Moor-hen from her nest, which contained no eggs; and, thinking perhaps that the eggs might be covered, I carefully examined it. There were some flat reed-blades which had the appearance of being recently placed there, but there were no eggs underneath. A little farther up stream I found another nest built in a very exposed situation, but still containing no eggs. The next day I visited the nest first mentioned; I cautiously approached, and again saw the hen sitting, her head being tucked under one wing. She was probably asleep, but on my making a noise she instantly sat up and then jumped off the nest, when I was surprised to see three nearly full-grown young birds emerge from beneath her. The nest was an exceptionally large one, and the bird when sitting seemed to be larger than usual, the three young which she was covering of course accounting for her apparent large dimensions. About six feet from the first nest another had been commenced, but this was smaller than the other. I waited for some time, hoping Zool. 4th ser. vol. V., January, 1901.