324 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF . 



is very singular and pleasing, sounding like the water whistles that we often hear 

 blown by boys. It is claimed by our best authorities that this noise does not come 

 from the syrinx or "voice box" of birds, but from the wings, being produced by the 

 wing striking the air. 



Athough the male and female woodcock do not differ essentially in color, the sexes 

 may at once be recognized by size, the female being much larger. In the markets 

 she is often called the " wood hen." 



These birds, like others of their family and order, do not have a musical voice with 

 which to attract or charm their mates, so the male does his wooing by executing the 

 most amusing little jigs and antics before the bird of his choice. This may make him 

 appear very absurd to the " outsider," but when we remember that even the lugubrious 

 owl, the emblem of solemnity and wisdom, resorts to the same ridiculous tactics to 

 secure the affection of his mate, we may be lenient in passing sentence upon our modest 

 and shy little "game bird." It often nests as early as April ist, which is quite too 

 early to insure the safety of its brood in this latitude, as late snows and frosts often 

 destroy its eggs or young. It then nests again, often in the same locality, but 

 generally changing its abode. It has been seen on its nest in this state as late as the 

 last of June. 



The numbers of specimens of this species found in any one region are often 

 directly dependent upon the climatic conditions during the early springtime. During 

 some seasons none but old birds may be found in the swamps during the late summer, 

 pointing to the fact that their haste in spring wooing resulted in the destruction of 

 their offspring. One great peculiarity of this bird is the fact that its eyes are placed 

 far back and toward the top of its head, over its ears. This is probably not so much 

 to protect the eyes as to enable it to see any object' that might forebode approaching 

 danger. In order to adapt its vision to its crepuscular and nocturnal habits the pupil 

 of its eye is very large, as in other nocturnal birds — e. g., the owls. On account of its 

 naturally dilated pupil the bright glare of the noon-day sun blinds it to such a degree 

 that it can not see sufficiently clearly to fly with safety in the bright light. We have 

 recorded several authenticated cases of woodcock having been injured or killed by 

 striking against objects in its flight. 



During the month of August the woodcock are to be found not in the swamps as in 

 the springtime, but in the thickets, woods and groves of the uplands or hillsides along 

 the valley. As they steal quickly over the dry ground they may leave no scent, and 

 thus elude the dogs. This condition is doubtless what has given rise to the popular 

 fallacy that certain gamebirds like the woodcock and quail are able to voluntarily 

 withhold the scent of their bodies and thus baffle the keen nose of a trained dog in 

 attempting to locate them. 



