133 
the Godwit have suffered from the pot-hunter, but other species as a rule 
have not been regarded in our west as objects of sport. The removal of 
them from the list of game birds by the Migratory Birds Convention Act 
has not, therefore, inflicted much hardship on the western sportsman, but it 
has done much to conserve the birds in others quarters of their range 
outside Canadian jurisdiction. 
Economic Status . Either perfectly harmless or actively useful accord- 
ing to habitat. 
228. American Woodcock. Rubicola minor, L, 11. A rather large Wader similar 
to the European Woodcock, but smaller and without any cross-barring below. All above 
coloured with an intricate pattern of various 
shades of rich wood-browns; below, a soft, 
uniform ruddy ochre. Eyes large and set very 
high in the head. 
Distinctions. Large size, general, uniform 
ochraceous colour below, mottled wood-browns 
above, and eyes set high in head. Can hardly be 
confused with any other species. The first three 
primaries are peculiarly narrowed (Figure 158), 
a characteristic not present in any other similar 
species. 
Nesting. On the ground, in the woods, 
amidst the dead leaves, with which its plumage 
harmonizes so well. 
Distribution. Eastern North America north to southern Canada. Occasional in 
eastern Manitoba. 
Woodcock haunt moist or wet shrubbery, alder or hazel thickets, or 
the tangled edges of damp woods. They spring suddenly from the ground 
on being disturbed, rise erratically on peculiarly whistling wings, and 
passing just over the tops of the underbrush drop suddenly into conceal- 
ment again a few rods beyond. Woodcock may still be legally hunted 
under the terms of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, though the 
privilege is of little importance in the west. 
The Pileated Woodpecker, Cock of the Woods, sometimes called 
“Woodcock/’ is an entirely different bird and should not be confused with 
the real Woodcock. It cannot be legally hunted at all. 
230. Wilson’s Snipe, jack snipe. Gcdlinago delicata . L, 11*25. Plate XVII A. 
Distinctions. A sandpiper -like bird, with a very long bill (2*5 and over), dressed in 
wood-browns, ochre, and white. The brick-red tail barred with black and whitening on 
the outer feathers, will distinguish it if necessary. The Dowitcher is the only Wader of 
similar size having so long a bill, but its rump and back are largely white. 
Field Marks. Grassy meadow habitat, long bill, and peculiar cork-screw flight as it 
rises with harsh “scape, scape ” note, together with size, general coloration, and reddish 
tail. 
Nesting. On the ground in grassy meadows. 
Distribution. Across the continent. Breeds throughout the Canadian west except 
perhaps in the most southern parts. 
Wilson’s Snipe, commonly called Jack Snipe or just “Snipe,” is one 
of the sportsman’s favourites. Its appearance on the scene with the first 
keen frosts, in considerable numbers, with its lying well to a dog, and 
having an irregular twisty flight, make a combination of qualities that endear 
it to the true sportsman who desires a test of dexterity rather than food. 
It is still permissible under the terms of the Migratory Birds Conven- 
tion Act to hunt this Snipe. 
Figure 158 
Emarginate primaries of American 
Woodcock; scale, b 
