OF NORTH AMERICA. 61 
71. WILSON’S SNIPE. 
Gallinago delicata. 
Known as English Snipe, but this latter 
name should hardly be used, for the European 
Snipe is not unknown on this side of the 
water. 
Upper side varied brownish-black and 
tawny; top of head black, with a tawny 
stripe down the middle; breast and _ sides 
brown, spotted with darker; belly nearly 
white; eyes brown; feet and bill greenish, 
the latter about 2? inches long; weight 3} to 
44 oz.; length 11 inches, extent 18 inches. 
The females will average a trifle less than 
this, but in all other particulars are similar to 
the male. 
This bird inhabits the fresh marshes all 
over the continent, and its “Scaipe” and 
twisting flight is well known. ‘This is prob- 
ably one of our most difficult birds to shoot, 
as the moment it is fairly launched into the 
air it assumes an erratic course of flight pro- 
ductive of misses and profanity. Half-lee 
deep in the bog, with a crazy bird in front, 
about the safest plan is to snap at the bird as 
soon as it starts, and before it fairly gathers 
itself. This needs a quick eye and “finger, 
and few men are sure of their bird. They 
are most delicious birds for the table. 
