The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

WOODCOCK

The woodcock (Scolopax rusticula) is a British game bird belonging to the sub-family Scolopacinae, and closely related to the snipe. The colouring is a combination of brown, grey and buff with black markings and there are two transverse buff stripes at the back of the head. The birds frequent woods, especially marshy woods and feed upon worms, insects and molluscs. During the breeding season the males have a habit of following certain tracks in the woods - known as 'cock roads' - and while travelling they utter whistling notes. The nest is a depression lined with dry leaves in which four eggs are laid. The young are often carried about by the parents between their thighs.
Research Woodcock