The use of fields at night by wintering American woodcock

Because limited information is available regarding preferences for nocturnal habitat during winter, we studied use of nocturnal habitats by American woodcock (Scolopax minor) wintering in the Georgia Piedmont (1994-95). During the evening crepuscular period, woodcock on the wintering grounds move from forested to field habitats, presumably to feed, conduct courtship displays, roost, and avoid predators. We conducted crepuscular flight surveys and tracked radiomarked woodcock to compare the use of fields of different sizes (40.0 ha) and types (seed tree-clearcuts, fallow-old fields, hayfields, pastures). Fields ≥5.5 ha were used more frequently than fields