Birds of Britain 



shown that the external aperture of the ear is placed 

 forwards in front of and below the eye. 



The sexes are alike in colour and are reddish brown on 

 the back, vermiculated with dark brown. The under parts 

 are drab, barred with a darker shade. There is much 

 individual variation in tint. Length 14'29 in. ; wing 

 7'5 in. 



The young resemble their parents, but are rather more 

 barred on the back. 



THE GREAT OR SOLITARY SNIPE 



Gallinago major (J. F. Gmelin) 



A few individuals of this species, chiefly immature birds, 

 visit our south and east counties yearly in autumn. Over 

 the rest of the United Kingdom it is an exceedingly rare 

 and irregular visitor. 



It breeds in Scandinavia and across Northern Europe, 

 extending southwards into Eussia, Poland, and North Ger- 

 many ; over the rest of Europe east of the Ehone Valley 

 it is common on migration and during the winter months. 



It may be distinguished from the Common Snipe by its 

 larger size, proportionately shorter legs and bill, and more 

 boldly barred under parts. It has sixteen or more tail 

 feathers. Length 10*5 in. ; bill 2 '3 in.; wing 5-5 in. 



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