48 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



The female is larger than the male, and the plumage 

 in the upper part of the body is more black, and the lower 

 parts more red ; but in both sexes the markings grow 

 fainter as the birds increase in age. 



Woodcocks are voracious feeders, and are frequently 

 found to be covered with fat when shot. They differ con- 

 siderably in weight, young birds sometimes not weighing 

 more than seven ounces, whilst adult birds commonly attain 

 to fourteen and fifteen ounces. 



The flight is rapid at all times. 



