WOODCOCK. 



SCOLOPAX RUSTICULA, Linn. 



Scolopax rusticola^ Linn. S. N. i. p. 243 (1766). 

 Scolopax rusticula, Naum. viii. p. 361 ; Yarr. cd. 4, iii. 

 p. 320. 



Kusticola sylvestris, Macg. iv. p. 386. 



Scolopax rusticola, Hewitson, ii. p. 348 ; Dresser, vii. p. 615. 



Becasse, French ; Waldschneppe , German ; Chocha, Becada, 

 Gallineta, Sorda, Spanish. 



It is somewhat difficult to find a fitting word to apply 

 to this well-known bird with regard to its stationary 

 and migratory habits. A great number breed annually 

 in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and many visit us 

 from the continent in autumn and winter, but as yet we 

 seem to be in complete ignorance as to what becomes of 

 our native birds between the time at which they become 

 strong on the wing in August and the arrival of the 

 migratory flights in October. It is a certain fact that 

 in many districts in Scotland and England, in which 

 Woodcocks breed, it is difficult to find one between the 

 end of August and the first or second week in October. 

 This species may be found, roughly speaking, through- 

 out Eiu-ope and Asia at various seasons, and visits Africa 

 north of the Atlas during the winter months. It is 

 reported on excellent authority as breeding and partially 

 resident in the Canaries, the Azores, and Madeira. 



