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American Woodcock
ExploreBirds
American Woodcock
Scolopax minor
The American Woodcock is a funny-looking bird with a long beak and big eyes. It loves to hide in the woods and can be tricky to spot, especially when it flies away with its zigzagging flight!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The American Woodcock is a plump, medium-sized bird with a very long, straight bill and notably large, dark eyes set high on its head. Its mottled brown, black, and rufous plumage provides superb camouflage, making it blend seamlessly into leaf litter.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusScolopax
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite being plump, they can fly straight up like a rocket!
Nicknamed 'Timberdoodle,' they love woodlands and doodle for worms.
Their brain is almost upside-down, helping them see behind while probing!
Their high-set eyes allow them 360-degree vision without moving their head!
Special abilities
Ability
Worm Whisperer
American Woodcock can probe soft soil with its sensitive bill to find and extract earthworms quickly.
Ability
Night Vision Goggles
American Woodcock has enormous eyes that allow it to see clearly in very dim light at dawn and dusk.
Ability
Aerial Acrobat
American Woodcock can perform a spectacular 'sky dance' flight display to attract mates above woodlands.
Ability
Ground Disguise
American Woodcock has cryptic plumage that helps them blend perfectly into leaf litter, avoiding predators.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 25-30 cm
- Wingspan
- 42-48 cm
- Weight
- 0.14-0.28 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-8 years
- Top Speed
- 35 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-5
- Incubation
- 20-22 days
- Migration Distance
- 1500 km
Diet & Feeding
They mostly slurp up earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates from the soil.
Primary Foods
- earthworms
- insect larvae
- grubs
- beetles
- snails
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
They probe soil to find and eat these rich, wiggly morsels.
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Nocturnal owls hunt woodcocks, especially during migration.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons raid nests for eggs and chicks in their ground nests.
eaten by
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
Fast, agile forest hawks hunt adult woodcocks.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a woodcock, watch quietly from a distance so you don't scare it away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is American Woodcock?
25-30 cm
What is American Woodcock's wingspan?
42-48 cm
How much does American Woodcock weigh?
0.14-0.28 kg
How long does American Woodcock live?
2-8 years
How fast can American Woodcock move?
35 km/h
What does American Woodcock eat?
They mostly slurp up earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates from the soil.
Where is American Woodcock usually found?
Forests
How does American Woodcock hunt?
Foraging
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