AMERICAN COOT (PLATE CCXXXIX)

Fulica americana JWTM 35 fine, fresh impression, repaired semi-circular tear in the upper margin, due to disbinding 12 1/4 by 19 3/8 in.; 313 by 491 mm. Based on a composition painted in December, 1831 in East Florida. Audubon described this bird as "extremely abundant in the New Orleans' markets during the latter part of autumn and in winter". It is an ingredient of Louisiana gumbo.