DIURNAL HABITAT USE OF AMERICAN WOODCOCK WINTERING ALONG THE ATLANTICCOAST

The long-term decline of the American woodcock (Scolopax minor) popula tion led us to investigate diurnal habitat use with radiotelemetry on the wintering grounds. Sites included the coastal plain of Georgia (19 89 - 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 wa s preferred at all sites in all years. Pine plantations of various age s were used according to availability, but usually less often than exp ected, while bottomland hardwoods and pine-hardwoods were used more of ten than expected.