366 



Birds. 



THE WOODCOCK, (Scotyax rusticola,) 



Is somewhat less than the partridge. The upper side 

 of the body is party-coloured of red, black, and grey, 

 and very beautiful. From the bill almost to the middle 

 of the head, it is of a reddish ash-colour. The lower 

 part of the body is grey, with transverse brown lines ; 

 under the tail the colour is somewhat yellowish ; the 

 chin is white, with a tincture of yellow. Woodcocks are 

 migratory birds, coming over into Britain in autumn, 

 and departing again in the beginning of spring ; they 

 pair before they go, and are seen flying in braces. 



The colours of this timid bird render it difficult to 

 discern him among the withered stalks and leaves of 

 fern, sticks, moss, and grass, which form the background 

 of the scenery, by which he is sheltered in his moist 

 and solitary retreats. By habit only is the sportsman 

 enabled to discover him, and his leading marks are the 

 full eye and glossy silver white-tipped tail of the bird. 

 The flesh is held in high estimation, and hence he is 

 eagerly sought after. It is hardly necessary to observe 

 that in dressing a Woodcock for the spit the entrails are 

 not drawn, but are allowed to drop upon slices of toasted 

 bread, and are relished as a delicious kind of sauce. 

 By some late observations, it appears that several indi- 

 viduals of the species remain with us the whole year. 

 They frequent especially wet and swampy woods, the 

 thick hedges near rivulets, and places affording them 



