James M. Clark

Data collected from woodcock banded in Canaan Valley, West Virginia from 1964 to 1970 were analyzed to determine population dynamics of resident (breeding) woodcock. lmmatures comprised over 60% ofthe banded sample, with immature males comprising 42% (P<0.05). Immatures appeared more susceptible to capture. Overall sex ratio for the banded sample revealed more males than females, but more females were found in the adult class. Greater survival of immature females causes ratios favoring females in the adult class. Additionally, adult females have a higher survival rate than adult males....

From 1965-1970, toe and shank lengths of 509 woodcock (Philohela minor) banded in Canaan Valley, WV were measured to determine if these characteristics could be used as age and sex determinants. Test results from analysis of variance, Duncan's multiple range test and stepwise discriminant analysis determined toe and shank lengths can be indicators of sex. However, results from stepwise discriminant analysis suggest that toe and shank lengths should be used in conjunction with bill lengths.