Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticola
Aves › Charadriiformes › Scolopacidae › Scolopax
Conservation status: least_concern
The Eurasian Woodcock is a plump, long-billed wading bird with cryptic brown and black plumage that provides excellent camouflage in woodland habitats. It's best identified by its distinctive rounded silhouette, large eyes positioned far back on its head, and the unique "roding" display flight males perform at dusk during breeding season, flying low over trees with a creaking call.
How To Identify
A medium-sized ground bird easily spotted by its mottled brown plumage and prominent white wing patches. Males are slightly darker overall than females, making the reddish streaks visible against their cryptic coloration.
Habitat
The Eurasian Woodcock lives in dense deciduous and mixed woodland.
Behaviour
The Eurasian Woodcock is nocturnal, and males perform 'roding' display flights at dusk.
Did You Know?
One of the few birds with 360-degree vision — its eyes are set far back on its skull.
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