Diurnal habitat use of American woodcock wintering along the Atlantic coast

The long-term decline of the American woodcock (Scolopax minor) population led us to investigate diurnal habitat use with radiotelemetry on the wintering grounds. Sites included the coastal plain of Georgia (1989–1991), South Carolina (1988–1989), and Virginia (1991–1992). Habitat use was not explained by age, sex, or date during the winter, but individuals used habitat differently (P < 0.05). Only shrubland was preferred at all sites in all years. Pine plantations of various ages were used according to availability, but usually less often than expected, while bottomland hardwoods and pine–hardwoods were used more often than expected.