BIEDS OF THE MOOR 



THE AMERICAN WOODCOCK. 



THE American Woodcock is a more interesting bird 

 than we should suppose from his general appearance and 

 physiognomy. He is mainly nocturnal in his habits, and 

 his ways are very singular and worthy of study. He ob- 

 tains his food by scratching up the leaves and rubbish 

 that lie upon the surface of the ground in damp and 

 wooded places, and by boring into the earth for worms. 

 He remains concealed in the wood during the day, and 

 comes out to feed at twilight, choosing the open ploughed 

 land where worms are abundant. Yet it is probable that 

 in the shade of the wood he is more or less busy among 

 the leaves in the daytime. 



The Woodcock does not usually venture abroad in the 

 open day, unless he be disturbed and driven from his 

 retreat. He makes his first appearance here early in 

 April, and at this time we may observe that soaring habit 

 which renders him one of the picturesque objects of 

 nature. This soaring takes place soon after sunset, con- 

 tinues during twilight, and is repeated at a corresponding 

 hour in the morning. If you listen at these times near 

 the place of his resort, he will soon reveal himself by a 

 lively peep, frequently uttered from the ground. While 

 repeating this note he may be seen strutting about like 

 a Turkey-cock, with fantastic jerkings of the tail and a 

 frequent turning of the head ; and his mate is, I believe, 

 at this time not far off. Suddenly he springs upward, 

 and with a wide circular sweep, uttering at the same time 



