Eurasian Woodcock
Eurasian Woodcock
45
13 hours ago
The Eurasian Woodcock is a nocturnal, cryptic wading bird known for its excellent camouflage and secretive nature. It prefers damp woodlands and forests, where its large eyes and long bill are perfectly adapted for probing for invertebrates in soft ground.
Where to spot
Breeds across temperate and boreal forests of Eurasia, from Western Europe to Japan. Winters in milder forested areas of Western Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and South Asia.
How to spot
Look for its plump body, long straight bill, and large eyes set high on its head. Its mottled brown plumage provides superb camouflage. To see them, seek out damp woodlands, especially at dawn or dusk, and look for their characteristic 'roding' flight.
When to spot
Best observed at dusk or dawn during the breeding season (spring) when males perform their distinctive 'roding' display flight over clearings. During migration and winter, they are elusive and require patience to spot in dense cover.
Where to spot
Breeds across temperate and boreal forests of Eurasia, from Western Europe to Japan. Winters in milder forested areas of Western Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and South Asia.
How to spot
Look for its plump body, long straight bill, and large eyes set high on its head. Its mottled brown plumage provides superb camouflage. To see them, seek out damp woodlands, especially at dawn or dusk, and look for their characteristic 'roding' flight.
When to spot
Best observed at dusk or dawn during the breeding season (spring) when males perform their distinctive 'roding' display flight over clearings. During migration and winter, they are elusive and require patience to spot in dense cover.
Credits:
LTapsaH
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The eyes of the Eurasian Woodcock are set very far back on its head, giving it an almost 360-degree field of vision, allowing it to detect predators from all directions without moving its head.
Loading...
Spotted
- Recently spotted
- 354 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 13 hours ago
Monthly observations
Also interesting
Share this page
Or share directly on
