[Illustration: WOODCOCK.]
The Common Woodcock has a very long, straight and slender bill, and a
flattened head. These Birds live in the woods, and seldom frequent the
shore or river banks. They differ from the Snipes in having a fuller
body and broader wings. They are shy, timid Birds, and conceal
themselves by day in the depths of the most retired woods. The
brightness of daylight appears to dazzle them, and they do not seem to
see clearly until evening when they leave their retreats to seek their
food of worms and grubs in the cultivated fields, damp meadows or near
springs.
The Woodcock lays four or five oval eggs rather larger than those of the
Pigeon. The young Birds run about as soon as they are hatched, and the
parent Birds guard them with great care. If any danger threatens, the
old Birds catch up their little ones, holding them under their necks by
means of their beaks, and thus carry them to a place of safety.