O RJD. GRALLATORES. 



FAM. SCOLOPACID.^. 



GENUS SCOLOPAX. 



PLATE IX. 



SCOLOPAX NEMORICOLA—Hodgson. 



WOOD SNIPE— Do. 



This bii-d, tlie solitary Snipe of Sportsmen on the NeilgherrieSj is a cold wea- 

 ther -visitant to those hiUs^ and probably also to other of the elevated table-lands of South- 

 ern India, as well as to the snmmit of the wooded ghauts. I have been informed that 

 several large or ' solitary snipe' have been shot at times in different parts of the low country, 

 which most likely were of this species. Mr. Hodgson &st described* this S?iipe as a 

 Avinter resident in Nepal. Of its geographical range out of India we have at present 

 no information, but it probably extends far North, and likewise towards the East. 



On the Neilgherries the solitary Snipe is by no means abundant, seldom more than 

 tvs'o or three dozens being in general shot during the whole season, It frec[uents the 

 sTdrts of the dense woods on the hills, generally near a swamp or marshy ground, or a run- 

 ning stream, and is never flushed in the open ground, and when driven from a wood always 

 seeks the shelter of a bush if no other wood be at hand. It seldom flies to any distance, 

 taking advantage of the nearest aA'ailable place of reiuge. Its flight is not very rapid and 

 indeed rather heavy. Though so little larger than the common Snipe, its broad wings give 

 it more the appearance of a Woodcock on the wing, for which it is invariably mistaken by 

 a beginner. 



• Gleanings of Science, No. 32 — and Journal Asiatic Society, Vol. -vi, page 490. 



