228. Philohela minor. 11 in.
Bill very long; eyes very large and located near the top of the head; form heavy; legs short; plumage much mottled with black, brown and gray. These peculiar birds are very well known throughout their range, to gunners and sportsmen, who have been the means of almost completely exterminating them in some localities. They are found in runs along the edges of brooks, where the mud is soft. Their food is of worms, insects and their larvæ, which they get from the ground by boring with their long bills. Their flight is very rapid, and when startled they double and twist in their haste to get away, their three narrow outer wing feathers producing a peculiar whistling sound.
Notes.—A low peep, and a twittering.
Nest.—Simply a hollow amid the surrounding leaves; the 4 eggs are buff, with yellowish-brown spots (1.50 × 1.15); April, May.
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding chiefly from Ohio and New Jersey, northward; winters in southern U. S.
WILSON SNIPE
230. Gallinago delicata. 11 in.
Bill very long, but not as heavy as that of the [Woodcock]; eyes not abnormally large; head striped with black and whitish; back handsomely variegated with black, brown and white; sides barred with black and white. The Snipe frequents more open country than the [Woodcock], being found in marshes or along open brooks. Like the [Woodcock], they often lie still and trust to their colors to prevent their being seen, but if they are observed, and they are always on the alert, they instantly take wing and pursue a zigzag course out of sight. Like the last species they procure their food by boring, the tip of the bill being flexible, so they can grasp their food when they feel it.
Notes.—A sharp, harsh whistle as they take wing.