Woodcock (Scolopax), a genus of birds of the family Scolopacidae, allied to the Snipes (q.v.), but of a more bulky body and with shorter and stronger legs. The Common Woodcock (S. rusticula) is comparatively abundant throughout Britain during the winter months, and a small but increasing number remain all the year round. The chief breeding-grounds of the woodcock are the great pine-forests of northern Europe and Asia, but in winter it is found as far south as the shores of the Mediterranean. The nest is formed simply by lining a sheltered hollow with dead leaves, and three or four yellowish eggs with brown markings are laid in March or early in April. The young birds are sometimes carried by the mother from place to place, and the manner of carrying has given rise to much discussion. Mr Charles St John says that from close observation he found that 'the old woodcock carries her young, even when larger than a snipe, not in her claws, which seem quite incapable of holding up any weight, but by clasping the little bird tightly between her thighs, and so holding it tight towards her own body.' The woodcock feeds in the early morning and at dusk on worms, beetles, small crustaceans, &c., the quantity of food consumed being very large. Its flesh is much prized, and besides falling to the gun of the sportsman it is caught by nets and snares placed in the 'cock- roads' or tracks made by the birds in going to and returning from their feeding-grounds. The adult bird measures about 14 inches, and weighs less than 1 lb. The general colour of the plumage is a warm ruddy brown with black spots on the upper parts, and yellowish brown with dark bars on the under parts. The American Woodcock (S. minor) is a smaller bird than the European species, and it also is in much request for table use. See Howard Saunders' Manual of British Birds.