The European woodcock (Scolopax major Rusticola) weights about 300–350 grams with an overall length of 28-33 cm. The woodcock migrates from northern Europe to Greece starting in September and leaves at the end of March. This migration is dependent on many factors including the weather. The woodcock hunting season starts September 15 to the end of February. The harvest limit is 10 woodcocks per day.
These birds can only be perused with a dog. In September they usually reside in the mountains up to 1000 meters where fir trees are abundant. When the weather is bad they move to lower elevation to seek shelter in dense dark thickets. Both American and European woodcocks have similar food intake, behavior and body colors except the European woodcocks chest colors are the same as its body.
European Woodcock Information Length: 20.5 - 21" .
Habitat: Moist, early-successional woodlands near open fields or forest clearings; abandoned fields, brushy forest openings, wooded edges of streams and ponds, brushy edges of open swamps.
Habitat requirements: Clearings for courtship displays and nighttime roosting. Areas of soft, moist soil containing earthworms and with overhead cover. Young, open woodlands for nesting.
Diet: Earthworms (staple); insects, especially larvae of beetles and flies; spiders, millipedes, snails; some seeds and berries