The Woodcock 

 THE WOODCOCK 



Scolopax rusticula, Linnaeus 



The Woodcock is best known in these islands from the 

 vast numbers that annually arrive during October to pass 

 the winter with us. Although fairly well distributed at this 

 time of year, they are most abundant in Ireland and our 

 western counties, where they form one of the chief objectives 

 of the shooter. 



As its name indicates, the Woodcock spends most of its 

 time in woods and plantations, flying every evening to wet 

 meadows and marshes in the neighbourhood, where it feeds on 

 worms and other insects, and returning to the woods before 

 daybreak. On its passage to and from its feeding ground 

 it always follows certain tracks, which are in consequence 

 often known as "cock-roads." Early in March the vast 

 majority take their departure for their breeding grounds in 

 Northern Europe, but some remain to nest with us, and of 

 late years its numbers as a breeding species have consider- 

 ably increased. 



The nest is a slight depression among dead leaves, 

 generally at the foot of a tree. The eggs are four in 

 number and yellowish white in colour, blotched with ash 

 grey and reddish brown. When the young are hatched 

 they are sometimes removed by the parents, the female 

 being said to carry them by holding them pressed closely to 

 her body between her legs. In common with all Snipe, the 

 eye is placed far back on the head, and it has recently been 



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