230 BRITISH BIKDS. 



To an ornithologist only acquainted with European birds, the Wood- 

 cocks appear generically distinct from the Snipes ; but the character of 

 the feathered tibia relied upon to distinguish the former from the latter is 

 of no value. Three South- American species of Snipe possess this character, 

 almost in as marked a degree as the true Woodcocks, whilst the Wood- 

 cock inhabiting the island of Ternate (an unmistakable Woodcock in colour) 

 has the tibia as bare as in that of a Snipe. The Woodcocks form a fairly 

 distinct subgenus, which may be characterized by the white tips on the 

 under surface of the tail-feathers. 



The Snipes frequent marshy places, one or two species showing a prefer- 

 ence for wooded districts. They are shy skulking birds, only taking wing 

 when absolutely compelled ; but they run and walk with ease. They are 

 for the most part solitary, and never congregate into flocks like the other 

 Waders, although numbers are often flushed from a small plot of ground. 

 They obtain most of their food at dusk, and are most active at nightfall. 

 Their flight is very rapid and well sustained. Their food consists of insects, 

 worms, &c., for which they probe the soft mud with their long bills ; but, 

 strange to say, they are never seen on the extensive mud-flats which are 

 frequented in winter by so many species of Sandpipers. In consequence of 

 their spending the whole year in marshes or other localities where the 

 vegetation effectually conceals them from view or harmonizes with their 

 pronounced colours, they do not require to assume a grey dress in winter, 

 as nearly all the Sandpipers which frequent .the mud-flats do. Their 

 notes are loud and not unmusical. Their eggs, four in number and pyri- 

 form in shape, are laid in a depression in the ground on only a rudimentary 

 nest. 



