The Red-Breasted Snipe — Macrorhamphus Griseus (J. F. Gmelin)
Some half-dozen examples of this American species have been met with in England, all of them during the autumn months.
At this time of year, except in size, it resembles a Dunlin; but in spring the under parts are chestnut, spotted on the breast, and barred on the flanks with dark brown. The feathers of the back are black, edged and barred with rufous. Rump and upper tail coverts white barred with black. The shaft of the outermost primary is pure white. Length 10 in.; wing 5·5 in.