WILSON SNIPE 
230. Gallinago delicata. 11 in. 
Bill very long, but not as heavy as that of the Wood- | 
cock; 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 le 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. 
Nest.—Depressions in the grassy edges of ponds or 
marshes; eggs olive gray, marked with blackish. (1.50x @ 
1.10); May, June. 
Range.—Breeds from the northern tier of states north- * = 
ward. Winters in southern U. 8. 
