THE SNlPfc. 431 



189. THE BLACK STOKK. 



Cicoma Nigra, LIN. Cicogne Noire, BUF. Der Schwarze Storch, BECH. 

 Description. This is almost as large as the preceding species, 

 and resembles it in form, except that the limbs are more deli- 

 cate and slender. The general colour of its plumage is a glossy 

 black, but the breast and belly are white. It inhabits woods 

 which are at no great distance from lakes and marshes, and 

 builds its nest in trees. Its habit of life is very similar to that 

 of the White Stork ; and the young birds, of which there are 

 often five in a brood, may be reared in the same manner. 



190. THE WOODCOCK. 



Scolopax Rusticola, LIN. La Becasse, BUF. Die Waldschnepfe, BECH. 

 Description. The Woodcock, which is a bird well known 

 throughout Europe, is about the size of a Partridge. The 

 beak is straight, and reddish at the root ; the forehead is red- 

 dish grey; and some blackish brown stripes pass across the 

 back of the head. The upper part of the body and the wings 

 are rust-coloured, striped with black and grey ; the breast and 

 belly are dingy white, covered with dark brown lines. 



Observations. The Woodcock builds its nest in the woods on 

 the ground : and the eggs, which are three or four in number, 

 are a dingy pale yellow. As soon as evening approaches it leaves 

 the underwood, to look for its food, which consists of earth worms, 

 snails, and grubs, in the meadows, marshes, and ploughed fields. 

 In October it migrates into warmer countries ; and, as it always 

 pursues the same route, the fowler prepares to receive it, as it 

 leaves the woods for the open country, with guns and large nets, 

 in which great numbers are taken. It is an awkward bird, and 

 often overbalances itself in its flight. It is scarcely necessary to 

 add, that the flesh of the Woodcock is highly esteemed by 

 epicures. 



This bird soon becomes accustomed to the food of the aviary, 

 if fed, when first caught, with insects and ants' eggs. 



191. THE SNIPE. 

 Scolopax Gallinago, LIN. La Beicassine, BUF. Die Heerschnepfe, BECH 



Description. This bird is about the size of a Quail. The 

 beak is long, black at the point, and covered with small lumps; 

 the feet are brown. The head is divided by two reddish brown 

 lines, which pass down the forehead ; and the beak is covered 

 with dark brown transverse stripes. The throat is white ; the 



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