134 WOODCOCK. 



on the lower part redder, than the male Woodcock. She is also alwavs larger. 



The young birds have the bill shorter than the adult. 



Few birds vary more in weight than Woodcocks. The ordinary weight of the adult 

 male is from eleven to twelve ounces; the females will often weigh from fourteen to 

 sixteen ounces; the latter weight is however by no means usual. Mr. Yarrell, on the 

 authority of Lady Peyton, records one shot in 1775, or 1776, which was of the extra- 

 ordinary weight of twenty-seven ounces: and another, obtained some years previously, 

 which weighed twenty-four ounces. 



