Woodcock Utilization of Bottomland Hardwoods in the Mississippi Delta

Flush counts (N = 182) of American woodcock (Scolopax minor) wintering in the Delta region of Mississippi from 1981 to 1982 demonstrated that regeneration stands were used as diurnal coverts more often than other seral stages of bottomland hardwoods. Significant numbers of woodcock also utilized mature stands. Few birds were found in pole stands or cottonwood (Populus deltoides) plantations. Management suggestions and research needs are discussed.