Migration phenology and patterns of American woodcock in central North America derived using satellite telemetry

American woodcock Scolopax minor (hereafter woodcock) migration ecology is poorly understood, but has implications for population and management, especially related to harvest. To describe patterns phenology, we captured equipped 73 with satellite tracking devices in the Central Management Region (analogous Mississippi Flyway) of North America documented paths 60 individual 87 autumn or spring migrations during 2014–2016. Woodcock at scale was more synchronous than autumn, unlike most other migratory birds, average duration (31 days) shorter (53 days). This difference resulted from making close-together stopovers migration, not because had longer duration. During number days, stopovers, end date net displacement were negatively initiation rate date. Spring duration, date, positively rate, suggesting that initiated later faster rates. Juvenile female began adult woodcock. Our results provide a basis comparing current harvest seasons presence migrating insight into differential versus local on breeding areas.