Eurasian Woodcock

The Eurasian woodcock, Scolopax rusticola, is a medium-small wading bird that graces temperate and subarctic Eurasia with its presence. It boasts a remarkable cryptic camouflage, with reddish-brown upperparts and buff-coloured underparts, designed to blend seamlessly into its woodland surroundings. A distinctive feature of this bird is its eyes, set far back on its head, which afford it a panoramic 360-degree vision. It is equipped with a long, sensitive bill for probing the ground in search of sustenance.

Identification Tips

Adult Eurasian woodcocks measure 33–38 cm in length, including a 6–8 cm long straight bill, and span a wingspan of 55–65 cm. Their intricately patterned reddish-brown upperparts and buff underparts are key identification markers. Unlike their close relatives, the snipe, their heads are barred with black rather than striped. The wings of the woodcock are rounded, and the base of the bill is flesh-coloured with a dark tip. Legs may vary from grey to pinkish. Males are notably larger than females, though this difference is not discernible in the field.

Habitat

The Eurasian woodcock's preferred breeding habitat consists of large, unfragmented areas of broadleaved deciduous or mixed woodland, replete with dense undergrowth. They show a particular affinity for woods with birch and tend to avoid beech-dominated forests. Breeding territories are a mosaic of dry resting spots, damp feeding areas, and clearings for flight. In winter, they may also frequent scrubland and, in freezing conditions, intertidal mud.

Distribution

The Eurasian woodcock breeds across Europe, with a significant portion of the population in Russia and Fennoscandia. Their range extends from Fennoscandia to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, and from western Europe to Russia. Northern and Asian populations migrate southwards to Europe or the Indian Subcontinent, while those in milder western European countries and on Atlantic islands are resident.

Behaviour

These crepuscular birds are most active at dawn and dusk, often remaining hidden during the day. When flushed, they take flight with a characteristic whirring noise. Their flight is agile and somewhat reminiscent of owls or bats, with fast, direct movement over open areas and erratic, fluttering motion within woodlands. Typically solitary, Eurasian woodcocks migrate alone but may gather in groups when conditions necessitate.

Song & Calls

The male Eurasian woodcock's courtship display, known as "roding," is accompanied by a distinctive mating call that sounds like "orr, orr, orr, pist." This call is unique to individuals and is used to monitor population numbers.

Breeding

During the breeding season, from April to June, males perform their "roding" display flights at dusk. Nests are simple structures on the ground, lined with plant material, where the female lays a clutch of one or two white or creamy eggs with light brown and grey blotches. Incubation lasts 21 to 24 days, and the precocial chicks are quick to leave the nest and can fly short distances after just 10 days.

Similar Species

The Eurasian woodcock can be confused with other wading birds, particularly snipes. However, the woodcock's barred head, as opposed to the striped head of snipes, and its unique eye placement are distinguishing features.

Diet and Feeding

Eurasian woodcocks forage for earthworms, insects and their larvae, freshwater molluscs, and some plant seeds. They feed by probing soft soil in thickets and are vulnerable when the ground is frozen, as they cannot access their prey.

Conservation Status

The Eurasian woodcock is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Despite a stable population trend and a large population size, habitat fragmentation and changes in agricultural practices pose threats to this species. Monitoring and conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure the sustainability of their populations.