6 4 



THE BIRDS OF THE WOODS 



the beak from the ground, raise the upper half, to seize and swallow food. 

 This movement may be shown in the dead bird by squeezing the cheeks between 

 the beak and ear with two fingers ; and the same extraordinary movement may be 

 observed if the woodcock be very much frightened, when it will raise about a third 

 of the upper half of the beak, while the other two-thirds remain closely applied 







THE WOODCOCK. 



to their fellow. A woodcock seldom carries its beak horizontally, but more or less 

 directed towards the ground, and in this way it not only walks but flies, and it 

 can run so fast as frequently to escape. A woodcock, when wounded, or if blown 

 into the sea by a storm, or if it fall into the water from fatigue while migrating, 

 can swim for some time. The flight is generally slower than that of the snipe, 

 but it can be varied at will, and no bird-of-prey surpasses a woodcock in quickness 



