32 



cassell's book of birds. 



venture any distance on foot. In their native woods they usually remain comparatively quiet during 

 the day, and only exhibit their full activity and briskness towards evening. In disposition they are 

 extremely shy, and invariably prefer shady and retired situations, only penetrated by a kind of twilight. 

 If chance should lead them across an open space during the day, they generally crouch flat on the 

 ground, and, owing to the sombre hue of their feathers, are not easily detected ; in this position they 

 will often remain until almost trodden upon, when they suddenly rise and endeavour to elude 

 the sportsman by darting through the trees and bushes, always taking care to keep well on the 



•\ .' i 



I V i 

 ■\\\ ; , 



THE woodcock (Scolopax nisticola). 



side opposite to the enemy. In their intercourse with each other, Woodcocks are by no means 

 social, every individual going its own way without any reference to its companions. In their 

 demeanour towards men, and birds of a different species, they usually exhibit the utmost timidity. 

 Instances, however, are recorded of their having been reared from the nest, and rendered so tame 

 that they would come at their owner's call, and greet his approach with every indication of delight. 

 The call of the male consists of a sort of humming note, while the female only utters a gentle piping 

 cry. The food of these birds consists of worms, larvae, and insects, which are sought for by means 

 of the long bill beneath dry leaves and cattle droppings, or are obtained by probing the surface 

 of moist and marshy localities. 



" The Woodcock," we are told, in the notes to the " Lays of the Deer Forest," •'' breeds to a 



