The Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) is a medium-small wading bird found in temperate and subarctic Eurasia.

The Eurasian woodcock was formally described by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae under the current binomial name Scolopax rusticola.

The specific epithet rusticola is the Latin name of a gamebird mentioned by Pliny the Elder and Marcus Valerius Martialis.

[6] The Eurasian woodcock has cryptic camouflage to suit its woodland habitat, with intricately patterned reddish-brown upperparts and buff underparts.

[12] Spring migration movements of woodcock are influenced by weather conditions, however this does not have a major effect on their subsequent breeding success.

At other times of year, a reduction in the amount of permanent grassland and an increase in the intensification of farming are also threats,[14] and the species' susceptibility to avian influenza may have an impact in future.

[15] Breeding territories must include a mix of dry, warm resting places, damp areas for feeding, and clearings for flight.

[25] A single brood of one or two white or creamy eggs with light brown and grey blotches[23] is laid; once the clutch is complete,[24] incubation is performed by the female for between 21 and 24 days.

[26] When threatened, the mother bird can fly whilst carrying small chicks between her legs, body and tail,[24] in her claws or on her back.

[10] During the cold British winter of 1962–63, starving woodcock were found feeding in urban areas and some were even forced to eat bird seed.

[8] Nocturnal feeding occurs in frost-free pasture or long-rotation grass meadows; fields with woodland within 1 km (0.62 mi) are preferred to allow roosting during the day.

[27] In 1821 William Bingley described a method of trapping Eurasian woodcock formerly used in northern England: "Long parallel rows of stones or stick, four or five inches high, were made in moonlight nights on the commons frequented by them.

When the birds, running about in search of food, came to one of these rows, they did not usually cross it, but ran along the side till they arrived at the gateways, which they entered, and in which they were caught.

[29] A study conducted in Brittany, France, explored the factors affecting the populations of wintering Eurasian woodcock.

"[30] In the United Kingdom, surveys are being conducted to improve knowledge of the number of breeding Eurasian woodcock and the structure of their habitat.

[35][36] Bingley wrote that (in the United Kingdom) "Few birds are so much in esteem for the table as these", although he also reported that woodcock meat was not eaten in Sweden or Norway as it was thought unwholesome, but that the eggs were taken and sold in "great numbers" in Stockholm and Gothenburg.

'[37] In the United Kingdom, the early arrival of migrant woodcock in autumn was said to mean a good harvest, especially if they stayed until spring.

[32][39] Reaney and Wilson wrote that the English surname "Woodcock" developed as a nickname from the bird, meaning 'a fool, simpleton or dupe'.