He is a worm and grub eater who, by the aid of his long straight bill, which has a sensitive tip like your finger, can feel his food when it is out of sight, and is able to probe the soft mud for things to eat that other birds cannot find.

The strangest thing about his bill is, that the upper half of it can be bent at the end, almost as much as you can crook the last joint of your fingers.

Such a bill is of the greatest assistance to him, as his eyes are set so far in the back of his head that he cannot see what he eats." "How queer!" said Nat; "what is the reason for that?
I suppose there must be a reason!" "This is it.

By being placed far back in his head his eyes become like two watch-towers, from which he can scan the country behind as well as in front, and be on the alert for enemies.

Woodcocks are very cautious birds, keeping well hidden by day and feeding only during the twilight hours or at night.
"They do not pass the winter in the colder parts of the country, and so escape the suffering that often overtakes Bob White and the Ruffed Grouse.