14 GAME-BIRDS OF INDIA 



first the flights were high, but gradually the birds got lower and 

 lower until reaching the level of the scrub they again disappeared 

 into it. Each flight was said to be in the shape of a long arc, the 

 highest points being reached at the end and commencement of it, 

 whilst in length they were anything from 50 yards to 200 or 

 more. The bird was described as flying slowly with plumage puffed 

 out, head thrown far back and bill somewhat pointed upwards. 

 I did not inquire how many times the flights were repeated, but 

 the impression I obtained was that they were numerous and lasted 

 for some time. 



In this country Mr. F. Wilson, whose note I have already quoted, 

 seems to be the only writer who has recorded anything in regard to 

 these nuptial flights. Major J. Lindsay Smith has, however, written 

 me an interesting letter on the "Woodcock and its habits in Dungagali, 

 and he says in this that he has often observed them roding; and that 

 whilst thus engaged this bird utters " a rather harsh croak alter- 

 nately with a sharp whistle or squeak, something like that of a bat, 

 but very much stronger." 



The habit the Woodcock has of carrying its young from one place 

 to another is very well known, but there are not many descriptions 

 of how the carrying is done. 



Davidson saw the bird in the act of carrying its young in 

 Kashmir, but has unfortunately left but little on record about it. 

 He observes : — 



" On the 28th May I found a pair with small young ones and 

 distinctly saw one of the old birds carrying a young one between 

 its feet or legs. It flew only some 50 yards, but though I followed 

 at once, I not only failed to find the young bird, but could not even 

 put up the old one again, and on returning could not find the young 

 one that I had previously noticed on the ground." 



Littledale also records having seen the same occurrence. He 

 writes : " to my delight up flew a Woodcock about five yards from 

 my feet. She had a young one — the men said two young ones, but 

 I could not see two distinctly myself — in her claws pressed close 

 under her ; and she flew slowly and heavily for about ten yards, then 

 rested above a bramble which the young one seemed to catch hold 

 of with its claws, or become entangled in. The old bird fluttered 



