American Woodcock. 217 
as, by this peculiarity, they escape many of their enemies, 
their field of vision being greatly augmented by such an 
arrangement. Obtaining their sustenance, as they largely 
do, by probing with their bills, so amply endowed with 
nerves, they have comparatively little use for their eyes, 
unless to keep watch for their numerous foes. 
Though well known to the sportsman, yet by the casual 
observer this bird is frequently confounded with the Wilson’s 
snipe. But the error can readily be avoided, if it is borne 
in mind that the Woodcock has the entire lower parts, includ- 
ing the lining of wings, a reddish-brown color, while the 
snipe has the abdomen white, the throat and upper parts of 
the breast speckled, and the lining of the wings barred with 
white and black. 
