Woopncock.§ GRALLATORES. SCOLOPAX. 107 
markings, though more intense and brilliant in tint. They 
are solitary birds, and generally live isolated, except during 
the season of reproduction, or at the periods of migration. 
They are distinguished from the rest of the Scolopacide by 
the square form of the head, and by the eyes being seated so 
far backward, a provision which gives them a very free com- 
pass of sight, and allows them to plunge the bill deeper in 
the soft ground in search of their prey. 
WOODCOCK. 
ScoLopax rusticota, Linn. 
PLATE XXIII. Fie. 1. 
Scolopax rusticola, Linn. Syst. 1. 243. 6.—Gmel. Syst. 1. 660.—Lath. Ind. 
Ornith. 2. 713. 1.—Shaw’s Zool. 12. 44. pl. 7.—Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 105. 
sp. 145. 
Scolopax, Briss. 5. 292. 1.—Raii Syn. 104. A. 1.—Will. 213. 53. 
La Becasse, Buff: Ois. 7. 462. 25. 
Becasse ordinaire, Temm. Man. d’Ornith. 2. 673. 
Wald-schneppe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. 4. 158.— Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. 
2. 361. 
Woodcock, Br. Zool. 2. No. 178. t. 65.—Arct. Zcol. 2. 470. A.—Will. 
(AnglL.) 289. t. 53.—Albin. Br. Birds, 1. t. 70.—Lath. Syn. 5. 129. 1.— 
Mont. Ornth. Dict. 2.—Id. Sup.—Bewick’s Br. Birds, 2. t. p. 60.— 
Shaw’s Zool. 12. 44. pl. 7. 
Tuts well-known bird, so favourite an object of pursuit 
with the sportsman, and so highly esteemed by the epicure, 
can only be considered as a regular winter visitant ; for al- 
though instances are not wanting of Weodcocks remaining 
through the summer, and even breeding in extensive woods 
in different parts of the kingdom*, they are still too few, I 
think, to warrant its admission as an indigenous species. I 
have, however, heard it asserted of late, that such instances 
are increasing, and that there are districts in which these 
birds may be found at all seasons in the year ; among others; 
* See Bewrcx’s British Birds, Art. Woodcock; and Montacu’s Orni- 
thological Dictionary and Supplement, where well-authenticated instances 
are given. 
Periodical 
visitant. 
