SNIPE 303 



from the common-snipe, and, similarly, its haunts are the same. 

 Having regard to the coloration of the two species, and their simi- 

 larity in structure, this agreement is what we would expect. On the 

 other hand, when we come to compare the common, great, and jack- 

 snipe in regard to their breeding-habits, we find a striking diversity 

 in place of agreement. 



In regard to the courting habits of snipe, we have certainly a 

 great deal to learn. A hint of this fact may be gleaned from Mr. 

 Wormald's notes on his tame common-snipe, to which reference has 

 already been made. He remarked that in the spring his bird made a 

 kind of " display," by walking round and round his hand and utter- 

 ing " the spring note," meanwhile spreading the tail fanwise, and 

 " gently poking my hand with his beak." He would also constantly 

 play by himself, standing bolt upright, then squatting down flat with 

 his tail raised and spread fanwise. Then he would suddenly take 

 two or three jumps to either side with closed wings. After going 

 through this performance some half-dozen times on end, he would 

 stop, and stroll leisurely off. The fact, however, that this bird, 

 during these proceedings, would often squat down flat on the ground, 

 with the neck stretched out and tail raised, has led Mr. Wormald to 

 entertain suspicion that his captive may after all be a female. Of this 

 behaviour, however, few have any knowledge, the " courting " of the 

 snipe being associated in the minds of most of us with a very remark- 

 able aerial display, which is always accompanied by very peculiar 

 sounds, known either as " drumming " or as " bleating," in which, 

 however, it would seem both sexes participate, though the male 

 continues to perform till after the young are hatched. This display 

 maybe described as a "musical ride," wherein the bird ascends to 

 a height of about 300 feet, then describes a series of wide circles, 

 dropping, at intervals, some 50 feet or so, with a steady, tremulous, 

 side-long fall, and at reduced speed. Each descent is accompanied 

 by the strange high-pitched notes, likened by different observers 

 to "drumming," "bleating," and "neighing." That they are diffi- 



