WOODCOCK.
SCOLOPAX RUSTICULA, Linn.
Scolopax rusticola, Linn. S. N. i. p. 243 (1766).
Scolopax rusticula, Naum. viii. p. 361 ; Yarr. ed. 4, iii.
p. 320.
Kusticola sylvestris, Macg. iv. p. 386.
Scolopax rusticola, Hewitson, ii. p. 348 ; Dresser, vii. p. 615.
Bécasse, 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, throughout
Europe 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.
WOODCOCK,
lopax rusticula , Linn .