82 NATURAL HISTORY [Birds. 



wards near the place of its nest ; at other times its cry is a 

 short shrill whistling ; when hastily sprung, a hoarse scream. 



Species 2. The Jack-Snipe. 



Gid, Jack-Snipe, and Judcock, Wil. Orn. 291. Ran Syn. AV. 105. Scolopax 

 Gallinula, Lin.Sys. 224. Brit. Zool 359. Brit. Zool. Illus.ll. 



I NEVER saw above a couple of specimens of the jack-snipe 

 in Orkney, nor do I think it a frequent bird. 



The size distinguishes it from the former, as does the flight, 

 which is shorter. But what points it out to every observer 

 is the rump, which is of a fine purple, with a cast of blue, 

 changeable in different lights ; the bill is short, the half next 

 the head pale flesh-colour, the point black. 



It is found in marshy moors ; is difficult to spring, and after 

 fluttering a little about, claps into the nearest hole, or small 

 spring, and lies close. I dare say it builds with -us in season, 

 as I have seen it in summer. 



Species 3. The Godwit. 



Godwit, Yarwhelp,or Yarwip, Wil. Ow.290. Rail Syn. Av. 105. Scolopax 

 ^Egocephala, Lin. Sys. 246. Brit. Zool. 351. 



THIS bird I have very seldom observed in Orkney ; is en- 



