When is the peak breeding season for woodcocks?

The peak breeding season for woodcocks occurs in spring, which aligns with their reproductive cycle and habitat needs. During this time, male woodcocks perform distinctive courtship displays, including "sky dancing," to attract females. The arrival of spring is critical as it coincides with the warming temperatures and the availability of suitable nesting sites, which are typically found in areas with dense, shrubby cover. These conditions support the successful upbringing of their young, as well as access to the earthworms and other invertebrates that constitute a significant part of their diet during this period. The other seasons do not provide the same environmental or biological conditions that are essential for breeding.