New Guinea Woodcock

The Javan woodcock, Scolopax saturata, also known as the rufous woodcock, is a small, elusive wader that graces the wet mountain forests of Sumatra and western Java with its presence. Cloaked in darker plumage than its Eurasian cousin, this bird is a master of camouflage, blending seamlessly into its mossy realm.

Identification Tips

When fortunate enough to spot a Javan woodcock, one will note its diminutive stature compared to the Eurasian woodcock. Its plumage is a rich tapestry of dark hues, providing excellent concealment amidst the forest floor's dappled light and shadow.

Habitat

The Javan woodcock is a denizen of the high-altitude wet forests, where the air is cool and the undergrowth is lush. It is here, amongst the moss and the muted chorus of the forest, that it makes its home.

Distribution

This bird's world is a small one, confined to the mountainous regions of Sumatra and western Java. It is a creature of elevation, seldom seen by those who do not venture into its lofty, mist-enshrouded domain.

Behaviour

The Javan woodcock engages in a "drumming" display flight akin to that of the Eurasian woodcock, a mesmerizing aerial ballet that is a sight to behold. However, its calls, a secretive language of the skies, are distinct and remain a topic of intrigue among ornithologists.

Breeding

In the quiet seclusion of the forest, the Javan woodcock crafts a simple nest upon a bed of moss, often tucked away in light undergrowth, a cradle for the next generation to come.

Similar Species

Previously, the Javan woodcock was considered conspecific with the New Guinea woodcock, and was known as the dusky woodcock. However, it is now recognized as a distinct species, with its own unique characteristics and behaviors.

Diet and Feeding

The Javan woodcock, like its woodcock kin, forages for invertebrates among the leaf litter, its long bill probing the soft earth for nourishment.

Conservation status

With a population estimated at a mere 2,500 to 10,000 adults, the Javan woodcock is classified as Near Threatened. These birds are scattered across ten to fifty subpopulations, and their numbers are currently in decline. The span of one generation is just over four years, a fleeting window in which to ensure the survival of this enigmatic species.