192 FEATHERED GAME 
ground with a sharp, piercing cry and perhaps 
darts into the brush, for if cornered in a run- 
way margined with trees he will not hesitate to 
dive into their protecting cover where almost 
any other marsh bird would double back and 
make for the open ground at any risk to itself, 
and so give the gunner a chance to score. 
Of its nesting habits little is known for cer- 
tainty and eggs are still rarely seen in collec 
tions. It is supposed to breed anywhere in its 
range, preferably throughout the northern por- 
tions, that is, from the northernmost States of 
the Union through the wooded country to 
Alaska. In winter it goes far away to the 
south, and though some remain in the Gulf 
States most pass this season in Mexico and Cen- 
tral America. Not a few go well down into 
South America. 
This species is about nine inches long, with 
an extent of wings averaging from sixteen to 
seventeen inches. Upper parts a glossy green- 
ish brown, streaked on head, throat and neck 
with dusky; showing considerable white here 
also, especially on the sides of the head and 
throat. Upper tail coverts and rump same 
shade as the back, but showing some white, 
