COMMON SNIPE. Gallinugo media. 



JACK SNIPE. GaZZJHffjro 



The little JACK SNIPE is selaom seen in this country except in the winter, and is 

 remarkable for its tenacity in clinging to the ground even on the near approach of an 

 enemy. Terror seems to have some part in this propensity, for Mr. Yarrell remarks that 

 a Jack Snipe has allowed itself to be picked up by hand before the nose of a pointer. It 

 has also a strong attachment to localities, adhering closely to one spot, and always returning 

 to the same place after a while. It is not an easy bird to shoot unless taken at the 

 rise, when there is danger that so diminutive a bird may be blown to pieces by the first 

 discharge, for it dodges about and skims just over the heather, in a vastly perplexing 

 manner. There is a story told of a gentleman not remarkable for his skill in shooting, 

 who was found lamenting over the corpse of a Jack Snipe which he had succeeded in 

 killing, and whose death had deprived him of the amusement which he had enjoyed for 

 many weeks, as the bird could always be found in the same place every morning, and 

 be hunted up and down all day without going out of the grouncls. 



The plumage of the Jack Snipe is very like that of the common species, but may be at 

 once distinguished by the absence of the pale brown streak over the top of the head. 



Three more species of Snipe kre known in England, but are very scarce. One is the 

 SABINE'S SNIPE (GalUndgo Sabinii), notable for the total absence of white upon its 

 plumage ; the second is the BEOWN, or KED-BKEASTED SNIPE ( GalUndgo grisea), properly 

 an American bird, and distinguishable by the ruddy breast and the streak of white from 

 the bill to the eye ; and the third is rather a dubious species, known by the namo of 

 UBEIIM'S SNIPE (GalUndgo Brekmii). 



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