Woodcock

This article refers to the Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), which is similar in many respects to its smaller American cousin (Scolopax minor). The Eurasian woodcock is established throughout Europe except for the very far north. Those in western and southwestern Europe are resident, but others migrate to the Mediterranean region for the winter. In the United Kingdom the woodcock is resident in most of the country, its preferred habitat being woodland (of all types) that provides ground cover but also open spaces.

The woodcock is a wading bird that never wades, except through the leaf litter of its woodland home. It is a plump, heavy-set bird with short legs and a long tapering bill. Its eyes are set high on the head, which gives it all-round vision.

The woodcock measures some 32-36 centimetres (12.5-14 inches) in length. Its plumage provides excellent camouflage on the forest floor, being a speckled and barred mix of shades of brown. There are broad dark bars across the head, a reddish-brown short tail, and lighter colours on the chest and underside, although these are still barred. Males and females are similar in appearance.

The woodcock is largely nocturnal, spending the daylight hours hidden in the undergrowth. However, if disturbed it will fly off at speed, zigzagging between the trees with its wings making a swishing noise. The woodcock is a game bird in some areas, its flight making it a challenging target for marksmen, and it also has the disadvantage of being regarded as good to eat.

When not under threat, the woodcock can sometimes be seen flying more slowly on rounded wings with its bill pointing downwards. The male woodcock is also noted for its dawn and dusk display flight during the breeding season, this display being known as “roding”. It is only during roding that the woodcock makes any noise, this being a deep double grunt that alternates with a high-pitched whistle.

The woodcock spends most of its time on the ground, shuffling along and probing its bill into the leaf litter and soft soil in its search for food, which is mainly worms, spiders, insects and their larvae. The bill is sensitive to movement and also flexible.

Woodcocks arrive at their breeding grounds in March or April, when pairs are formed after a courtship ritual in which the hen sits on the ground with her tail spread to entice the male birds. A male who sees her or hears her special call will drop to the ground and perform a dance, hopping around the hen until she accepts him. If more than one male woodcock arrives a fight can ensue.

Four eggs are laid in a shallow scrape in the ground or bracken, lined with soft material. The young hatch after about 22 days, leaving the nest as soon as they are dry to follow the hen woodcock. A second brood may be raised in June.

  

The woodcock has amber conservation status in the United Kingdom, due to falling numbers in recent years that may be the result of pressure on its habitat.

© John Welford