The American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) is a member of the Sandpiper family and is one of the few shorebirds spending its life on dry land. An impressive bird, this species exhibits a long bill, chunky body, huge eyes on either side of the head, and cryptic feather coloration for life on the ground.

Males arrive on territory in early spring. They prefer open areas abutting dense vegetation. The thin outer three wing feathers of the male are specifically shaped to produce a whistling sound during display flights.

The nest consists of a small depression on the ground occasionally found with twigs and pine needles. Females typically lay four eggs and incubate up to three weeks. Juveniles are able to fly approximately two weeks after hatching. Earthworms are the staple food for both adults and chicks.  Their excessively long bill and muscles of the upper mandible allow the woodcock to probe into dirt grasping worms with their forceps-like bill.

Woodcocks can live up to 11 years according to banding records.