THE BIRDS OF WAYNE COUNTY. 267 



SUBFAMILY FULICIN/C. COOTS. 



GENUS FULICA. LINNAEUS. 



36. Fulica americana (GMEL.). 

 American Coot. 



A common spring transient, often in flocks ; not so numerous in the fall. It has 

 been observed, though rarely, on some of the lakes as late as June, from which it 

 would appear to be possibly a summer resident. 



On April 9, 1887, Mr. C. E. Bixler found, in Wooster, a Coot that had evidently 

 been killed by striking against the side of the low building near which it was 

 discovered. 



ORDER LIMICOL^E. SHORE BIRDS. 

 FAMILY SCOLOPACID/E. SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, ETC. 



GENUS PHILOHELA. GRAY. 



37. Philohela minor (GMEL.). 

 American Woodcock. 



Summer resident ; tolerably common. It is generally distributed throughout the 

 County, but is now in certain localities becoming rare. It appears in March; and 

 migrates southward usually during the month of October, though occasionally a few 

 may be found in favorable places as late as November. 



It begins to breed soon after its arrival. On May 24, 1891, a brood of three young 

 about a week old were surprised in a little open place among thickets along a mill- 

 race. While the parent bird endeavored to attract attention to herself, the young 

 birds proceeded to quickly secrete themselves. They all started away in different direc- 

 tions holding their wings in a perpendicular position, and uttering at the same time a 

 peculiar peeping note. One caught and held in the hand for a few moments still 

 continued its peeping, and when placed again upon the ground immediately sought 

 safety in concealment among the undergrowth. 



GENUS GALLINAGO. LEACH. 



38. Gallinago delicata (ORD). 

 Wilson's Snipe. 



A common spring and fall transient; more numerous in the former season. It 

 arrives generally about the middle of March (rather earlier than later), and is present 

 in greatest numbers during the first three weeks of April ; though somewhat irregular 

 both in numbers and distribution. Individuals have sometimes te?n seen as late as 

 May 15. Its favorite haunts are the marshes and damp meadows of the bottom lands. 



