WILSON SNIPE 



230. Gallinago delicata. 11 in. 



Bill very long, but not as heavy as that of the Wood- 

 cock; eyes not abnormally large; head striped with 

 black and whitish; back handsomely variegated with 

 black, brown and white; sides barred with black and 

 white. The Snipe frequents more open country than 

 the Woodcock, being found in marshes or along open 

 brooks. Like the Woodcock, they often lie still and 

 trust to their colors to prevent their being seen, but if 

 they are observed, and they are always on the alert, 

 they instantly take wing and pursue a zigzag course out 

 of sight. Like the last species they procure their food 

 by boring, the tip of the bill being flexible, so they can 

 grasp their food when they feel it. 



Notes. A sharp, harsh whistle as they take wing. 



Nest. Depressions in the grassy edges of ponds or 

 marshes; eggs olive gray, marked with blackish. ( 1.50 x 

 1.10) ; May, June. 



Range. Breeds from the northern tier of states north- 

 ward. Winters in southern U. S. 



