About the Woodcock

A small migratory bird, woodcock travel from breeding grounds across mid-Canada to its wintering grounds in the central United States. With a primary food source of earthworms, woodcock gradually work their way south as the ground freezes along its migration route.

Woodcock are typically found in marshy, low-lying areas and along watercourses where the ground is rich in nutrients and full of earthworms. Habitat management for woodcock can be similar to that for grouse but the ground used is often lower and can be immediately adjacent to a marsh in the long grass where grouse aren't typically found.

This species of birds breeds on its route north in the spring. Open fields adjacent to prime feeding grounds are used as singing grounds for the males. The male tries to impress the female with aerial antics climbing and diving in flight. This can often be observed in open areas near dusk in the spring.
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Scientists are somewhat concerned with present woodcock populations as they are on the decline. A definite cause of this hasn't been found, but hunting has been ruled out. Habitat loss is the prime suspect.