SNIPE. 



193 



We have had reason to suppose that the Savannah Woodcock 

 and this bird made but one species, having seen the former more than 

 once from South America; and on comparison, they have appeared 

 scarcely to differ: we are told, that it inhabits the moist meadows 

 of Cayenne, removing in the rainy season to the highest situations 

 to breed ; makes the nest on some rising ground, choosing a cavity, 

 and lining it with dry leaves ; lays two eggs, and said to have two 

 broods in the year, the last in July. It does not frequent the woods 

 like the Common Species, but the marshes only, like the Snipe. 

 The flesh of this bird is as much valued as that of the Woodcock. 



4.— SAVANNA WOODCOCK. 



Scolopax paludosa, hid. Orn. ii. 714. Gm. Lin. i. 661. 

 Becasse des Savannes, Buf. viii. 4S1. PL enl. 895. 

 Savanna Woodcock, Gen. Syn. v. 132. 3. 



THIS is said to be one-fourth less than the Common Woodcock, 

 but the bill longer in proportion, colour of it brown ; over the eye a 

 black stripe; and between the bill and eye another; the upper part 

 of the plumage rufous, varied with black, somewhat in the manner 

 of our Common Species, but more distinct ; the under parts dusky 

 white, and the black marks the same ; but those from the breast to 

 the vent, are in transverse blotches, not lines, as in our Woodcock. 

 It seems a species between that and the Great Snipe ; but most allied 

 to the latter ; legs brown. 



Inhabits the moist savannas of Cayenne ; in the rainy season 

 moves into the highest situations to breed ; makes the nest on some 

 rising ground, choosing a cavity, and lining it with dry leaves; lays 

 two eggs, and has two broods in a year, the latter in July. Is 

 said not to fancy the woods, like that of Europe, but the marshes 

 only, like the Snipe. The flesh is held in as much esteem as that 

 of the European Species. 



VOL. IX. C c 



