490 Manual of the Game Birds of India. 



consists chiefly of insects, and perhaps 

 vegetable matter, and its flesh is very 

 inferior for the table. 



Painted Snipes are usually found in 

 couples or small groups. They are tame 

 and confiding, and allow a near approach 

 before rising on the wing. The flight is 

 slow and heavy. This Snipe, as a rule, 

 flies but a short distance and settles quickly. 

 It is not easy to flush it a second time. 



A curious habit of this Snipe, common 

 perhaps both to the male and female, 

 may be often observed at the breeding 

 season and also, according to Blyth, when 

 the bird is surprised. It consists in the 

 display of its beautiful plumage, the wings 

 and tail being spread out to their full 

 extent, the breast pressed to the ground 

 and the bill raised. 



The late Mr. J. Wood-Mason has 

 pointed out that the windpipe of the male 

 of this species is formed differently to 

 that of the female, the consequence being 

 that the two sexes utter very different 

 notes. The note of the female has been 

 described as a "low, regular, hoarse, but 

 rich, purring call," and again as a " low, 

 mellow, single soft note," frequently 

 repeated. The male utters a sharp squeak 

 at irregular intervals. 



