American Woodcock. 217 



as, by this peculiarity, they escape many of their enemies, 

 their field of vision being greatly augmented by such an 

 arrangement. Obtaining their sustenance, as they largely 

 do, by probing with their bills, so amply endowed with 

 nerves, they have comparatively little use for their eyes, 

 unless to keep watch for their numerous foes. 



Though well known to the sportsman, yet by the casual 

 observer this bird is frequently confounded with the Wilson's 

 snipe. But the error can readily be avoided, if it is borne 

 in mind that the Woodcock has the entire lower parts, includ- 

 ing the lining of wings, a reddish-brown color, while the 

 snipe has the abdomen white, the throat and upper parts of 

 the breast speckled, and the lining of the wings barred with 

 white and black. 



