BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 27 



channels, ranging from half to nearly the whole length of the bill ; sides 

 of lower mandible usually also grooved; nostrils narrow exposed slits; 

 head feathered. Wings usually thin and pointed; tail short and soft. 

 Tibia rarely entirely feathered; hind toe present (except in Calidris); 

 front toes cleft or slightly webbed. Birds of small or medium size. Sexes 

 alike or female slightly larger. Seasonal changes in plumage often 

 strongly marked. Eggs usually four, placed with the small ends together 

 in a slight nest or depression in the ground. 



Woodcock. 

 GENUS PHILOHELA. 



(228) Woodcock. (American Woodcock.) 

 (Philohela minor.) 



Formerly an abundant summer resident of our swampy woods, but 

 now becoming scarce. Breeds throughout its range. 



Arrives about the end of March and departs in November, usually 

 remaining until the first severe frost. 



GENUS GALLINAGO. 



(230) Wilson's Snipe. 



(Gallinago delicata.) 



Abundant in spring and autumn, the majority going north to breed. 

 Some, however, raise their young in all the larger marshes throughout 

 the Province, from our southern border northward. 



The first arrivals in spring generally appear before the end of March 

 and in the autumn the last stragglers remain until the marshes freeze up. 



