102 
SCOLOPAX MINOR. 
same passes through the eyes to the hind head, curving 
under the eye ; from the back to the rudiments of the 
tail, runs another of the same tint, and also on the sides 
under the wings ,* the throat and breast are considerably 
tinged with rufous ; and the quills at this age are just 
bursting from their light blue sheaths, and appear 
marbled, as in the old birds ; the legs and bill are of a 
pale purplish ash colour, the latter about an inch long. 
When taken, they utter a long, clear, but feeble peep, 
not louder than that of a mouse. They are far inferior 
to young partridges in running and skulking ; and, 
should the female unfortunately be killed, may easily 
be taken on the spot. 
