Woodcocks are well-camouflaged for life among fallen twigs and strewn leaves. Their predominantly brown back color is broken up with gray and black markings, which give the chunky, short-tailed birds the appearance of dried leaves. Three wide black bands break up the solid buff on the back of a squarish head. The buffy chest is unmarked. When resting during the day, woodcocks blend in so well with their surroundings that they are very difficult to find and are seldom seen unless flushed.
Good camouflage is necessary because woodcocks nest on the ground.
The nest is a slight depression surrounded by dead leaves, often located quite a distance from the peenting site. Four buff-colored eggs blotched with darker brown spots and splotches blend with their background. The leaf-colored female incubatesthe eggs alone, sitting on the ground where she is so vulnerable. As she sits on her nest for 21 days, she is acutely aware of what's happening around her. Proportionately large black eyes set back on the head give her a panoramic view and allow her to see approaching predators.