
INTRODUCTION 
Two major surveys are conducted each year to obtain 
information concerning the population status of woodcock 
(Philohela minor). The first, a singing-ground survey, 
is made in the spring in States and Provinces where 
woodcock nest, its purpose being to obtain an index of 
breeding-population size. The second is a wing-collection 
survey conducted during the hunting season to obtain an 
index of reproductive success, and to gather information 
concerning hunter activity in relation to shooting regu- 
lations. 

SINGING-GROUND SURVEY 
In the spring, male woodcock voice a characteristic 
call ("peent") while on the ground, and perform the "flight 
song" (wing twittering and vocal chirping) while in the 
air. These calls, part of the breeding behavior of males, 
occur in the morning and evening and form the basis for 
censusing them in the singing-ground survey. CGounts of 
"Singing" birds on the same routes each year provide a 
means of measuring their relative abundance during the 
breeding season. 
Counts are made during the evening singing period, 
since limited studies have indicated performance is more 
consistent in the evening than in the morning. Males 
begin to call 10 to 30 minutes after sunset, depending 
on weather conditions, and continue for about 35 minutes. 
Counting begins when singing commences and terminates 
when it ceases. 
Length of routes varies with the amount of suitable 
woodcock habitat. They may be short (2-3 miles) in con- 
tinuous breeding habitat, longer in areas of scattered 
breeding cover. Routes are established along roads, and 
cars are used for transportation. Fixed listening points 
