The Eurasian woodcock has short, stout legs and averages about 34 cm (about 14 in) in length. The head is relatively large, with a long, straight bill. The dark, prominent eyes are set far back on the head. The woodcock is mostly brown, mottled with black, grey, and russet. The woodcock lives in woodland, where the soft, moist earth yields its favourite food, the earthworm. They nest on the ground in shallow depressions lined with moss and dry leaves. The female lays four greenish eggs with brown spots that are incubated by both parents for 26 to 28 days. The bird remains hidden by day, protected by its coloration.
Woodcock
Woodcock, common name for six species of a genus of birds of the sandpiper family. Four species occur on islands of eastern Asia and the East Indies and are little known. The other two, which are popular game birds, have been extensively studied.

A Woodcock
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