The American woodcock, S. minor, has
                        short, stout legs and averages about 28
                        cm (about 11 in) in length. The head is
                        relatively large with a long, straight bill, the upper section of which can be flexed like
                        a finger. The dark, prominent eyes are set far back on the head. The woodcock is
                        mostly brown, mottled with black, gray, and russet. 

                        Native to eastern North America, the woodcock lives in wooded bottomlands, where
                        the soft, moist earth yields its favorite food, the earthworm. The bird remains hidden
                        by day, protected by its coloration. 

                        During the mating season, the male chooses a protected nesting site, usually near
                        a meadow, where it performs a spectacular courtship ritual, either in the twilight or
                        before dawn. At the start, the woodcock struts about with drooping wings and raised
                        tail and utters low, whining sounds punctuated by a single, nasal note. Suddenly
                        darting off, it spirals upward from 30 to 90 m (100 to 300 ft) with much twittering and
                        then dives swiftly downward. A characteristic whistling note heard during the
                        descent is believed to be caused by the rush of air through the three narrowed and
                        stiffened outer primary feathers. The nest, made of dried leaves and grass, is built in
                        a depression on the ground. The female lays four spotted eggs in a clutch. 

                        The Eurasian woodcock, S. rusticola, is larger, about 34 cm (about 13.5 in) long,
                        and is barred rather than plain on the underparts. It lacks the specialized primary
                        feathers of the American species.