What is "woodcock owl"

Woodcock \Wood"cock`\, n. [AS. wuducoc.]

1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of long-billed limicoline birds belonging to the genera Scolopax and Philohela. They are mostly nocturnal in their habits, and are highly esteemed as game birds.

   Note: The most important species are the European ( Scolopax rusticola) and the American woodcock ( Philohela minor), which agree very closely in appearance and habits.

2. Fig.: A simpleton. [Obs.] If I loved you not, I would laugh at you, and see you Run your neck into the noose, and cry, ``A woodcock!'' --Beau. & Fl. Little woodcock.

   1. The common American snipe.

   2. The European snipe.

      Sea woodcock fish, the bellows fish.

      Woodcock owl, the short-eared owl ( Asio brachyotus).

      Woodcock shell, the shell of certain mollusks of the genus Murex, having a very long canal, with or without spines.

      Woodcock snipe. See under Snipe.