Two Water-hens 🎵🎵

This month, stop by the library to see the Least Water-hen (plate 349) on display in our Audubon case. Featuring both the male and the young hen, the water-hens are shown in a marshy environment. You may think that "male" is a typo here, because hens are female chickens, but in fact the water-hen is not a chicken. Water-hens are aquatic birds from the rail family, and their name comes from their resemblance to chickens.

Audubon fans who have paid close attention for the last few years may have noticed that in December we try to display a bird featured in the "Twelve Days of Christmas!" Birds of America doesn't include any traditional hens or chickens, but the water-hen comes close! We have previously shared four colly (calling) birds, turtledoves, and a partridge!

Visit us from December 9 through January 13 to see the water-hens on display, and our apologies if "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is now stuck in your head!

Elizabeth Roscio

Preservation Librarian