Migration, distribution and breeding of American woodcock

Woodcock are widely distributed over Tennessee, but are most common during fall and spring in the Great Valley, Central Basin, and throughout western Tennessee. Harvest records indicate that peak fall migration occurs in mid-November. In 1977 and 1978, spring migration began during mid-February, and ended during mid-March. Peak migration occurred in late February or early March, but this chronology may not be representative of normal years. Testes lengths averaged 9.2 mm, indicating that male woodcock are in breeding condition by mid-February. Follicle development suggested that 44 percent of the females collected in February 1977 and 52 percent of the females collected in February 1978 were rapidly approaching nesting. The breeding season began during mid-February and lasted until late May. Peak nesting occurs from early to mid-March. Temperatures near 0°C curtailed breeding activity. Courtship activity began an average of 12.6 minutes after sunset; mean light intensity was 3.2 foot candles. Stands of second growth hardwoods found in poorly drained areas were favored diurnal coverts. Singing grounds were frequently early succession old fields, although pastures and other open areas were also used. Most nests were in young hardwood stands and were less than 50 m from a singing ground. Four of 5 broods were in honeysuckle thickets and were less than 50 m from streams.