Fifteen American woodcock (Scolopax minor) nests were located in central Kentucky between February 1998 and April 1999. Twelve habitat variables were measured within a 0.04 ha circular plot centered at each nest site and at randomly located no-nest (control) sites. Mean angular canopy cover at the nest, and mean number of shrubs and trees in the 2.5–15.2 cm DBH range within the nest plot were found to be significantly different (P < 0.05) from control sites. The habitat variables of note associated with woodcock nest sites in Kentucky mirror the general trend reported elsewhere, i.e., the importance of mid-story and horizontal plant cover.