192 FEATHERED GAME 



ground with a sharp, piercing cry and perhaps 

 darts into the brush, for if cornered in a run- 

 way margined with trees he will not hesitate to 

 dive into their protecting cover where almost 

 any other marsh bird would double back and 

 make for the open ground at any risk to itself, 

 and so give the gunner a chance to score. 



Of its nesting habits little is known for cer- 

 tainty and eggs are still rarely seen in collec- 

 tions. It is supposed to breed anywhere in its 

 range, preferably throughout the northern por- 

 tions, that is, from the northernmost States of 

 the Union through the wooded country to 

 Alaska. In winter it goes far away to the 

 south, and though some remain in the Gulf 

 States most pass this season in Mexico and Cen- 

 tral America. Not a few go well down into 

 South America. 



This species is about nine inches long, with 

 an extent of wings averaging from sixteen to 

 seventeen inches. Upper parts a glossy green- 

 ish brown, streaked on head, throat and neck 

 with dusky; showing considerable white here 

 also, especially on the sides of the head and 

 throat. Upper tail coverts and rump same 

 shade as the back, but showing some white, 



