Pronunciation: [fˌɪlə͡ʊhˈɛlə mˈa͡ɪnə] (IPA) 
Philohela minor is a bird species commonly known as the American woodcock. Its name is an amalgamation of Greek and Latin roots - Philohela means "friend of marshes" in Greek, while minor simply refers to its smaller size relative to other species in the genus. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˌfɪləˈhiːlə ˈmaɪnər/, with the stress on the second syllable of Philohela and the first syllable of minor.
Philohela Minor is the scientific name for the American Woodcock, a migratory shorebird species found in North America.
The American Woodcock, or Philohela Minor, is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the family Scolopacidae, commonly known as the sandpipers. This species has a distinct appearance, with a stocky body, short legs, and a long, slender bill for probing the soil for worms and insects. The plumage of the American Woodcock is primarily brown, providing excellent camouflage in its woodland habitat.
This species is found throughout eastern North America, from the southern parts of Canada to the Gulf Coast. The American Woodcock is known for its unique behavior during mating season, where males perform a "sky dance" at dawn or dusk. This involves spiraling high into the air, creating a distinctive peenting sound, followed by a series of chirps and twittering as it descends back to the ground.
The American Woodcock inhabits wet woods, damp thickets, and brushy areas near swamps or streams. It feeds primarily on earthworms, insects, and small invertebrates found in the soil. This species has a short bill, which it uses to probe the ground for its food.
Due to habitat loss and degradation, the American Woodcock population has declined in recent years. Conservation efforts focus on preserving suitable habitats, such as wetlands and forest edges, to provide nesting and feeding grounds for this unique and ecologically important species.
