THE COMMON SNIPE." 



y Tliis bird, though a wintei" visitant, remains in numbers constantly in Britain, merely 

 changing their abodes according to the state of the weather, or the scarcity and abun- 

 dance of food in different localities. The nest is found in a tuft^f rushes or bcath, in the 

 midst of the moorland or marsh. 



Mr. Selby says : " In addition to our native snipes, great flights come annuall}' from 

 Norway and other northern jjarts of Europe ; and in Northumberland they arrive in the 

 greatest numbers in the beginning of November. They seldom remain long in one 

 situation, moving from place to place, under the regulation of various causes ; so that the 

 sportsman, who has enjoj^ed excellent snipe-sliooting one day, may find the same spots 

 entirely deserted on tbe following. Towards tlie end of I\larch, or beginning of April, 

 snipes, having nearly perfected their summer or nuptial plumage, select appropriate places 

 for nidification, and the male bird commences his calls of invitation for a mate. These 

 are always uttered upon the wing, and consist of a piping or clicking note, often 

 repeated, and accompanied at intervals by a humming or bleating noise not unlike that 

 of a goat,t apparently produced by a peculiar action of the wings, as the bird, whenever 

 this soimd is emitted, is observed to descend with great \'elocity, and witli a trembling 

 motion of the pinions. At this season it soars to an immense height, remaining long 

 upon the wing ; and its notes may frequently be heard when the bird itself is far beyond 

 the reach of sight. These flights are performed at intervals during the day, but more 

 commonly towards the evening, and arc continued during tlie whole time that the female 

 is engaged in inniliMtion." 



• Sfo|ii]);\x Cinlliimso. 

 t In France, ono of the names by vliich the Common Snipe is known, is tliat of " Ch(j\ic volant." 



