The American Woodcock is a squat, chunky shorebird from eastern North America. It is commonly called a Timberdoodle.
Although a member of the shorebirds, it prefers damp woodlands where it can probe the soft earth for food. It eats mostly invertebrates.
These birds are common enough that they are seasonally hunted and their population remains abundant.
The male will perform a special flight to attract a mate. During a dive, its wings will produce a winnowing sound.
Classification:
Order: Charadriformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Genus: Scolopax
Species: S. minor
Photos:
American Woodcock
American Woodcock
American Woodcock (Scolopax minor)
American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) Chick
"I came upon this little guy not far off a path at Swan Creek Metropark in Toledo, OH. The American Woodcock uses its long bill to probe the earth for earthworms and other invertebrates."
American Woodcock
"Another ISO1600 shot after the sun was down. After a couple of cold nights this Woodcock was having a difficult time feeding in the frozen earth. Thanks to Paul Murray for the assist. Pleasant Plains Rd., Great Swamp NWR, NJ."
Video:
Top Ten Lifers of 2008: Number 10
Robin was leading the Tropical Audubon’s ENP walk that day and agreed to meet me early to help locate my lifer American Woodcock. Robin is an excellent birder and if you ever have the pleas… Read more…
Kingbirdfeeders.com Blog: American Woodcock at Lake Waco Wetlands
Walking up the trail from the tree berm toward the road, I came within 45 feet of an American Woodcock which was sitting underneath a cedar. It startled from that place flying low to the ground… Read more…
they are migrating thru this area right now.” Dawn from the Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation said. I had simply stepped outside of Singha to make a phone call, while awaiting two soups to go, on… Read more…
AMERICAN WOODCOCK ORGANIZATION: AMERICAN WOODCOCK
The American woodcock is a shorebird that inhabits forested areas from Manitoba east to Newfoundland and Labrador and south to the Gulf of Mexico. It is known by a variety of colorful local nam… Read more…
Birding in Sault Ste. Marie: 2008 recap
April 3-8 - Spring is definitely here, with new birds added every day - highlights were American Woodcock, Cackling Goose, Ring-necked Pheasant, Ross’s Goose, Eastern Meadowlark, Fox Sparro… Read more…
Birdathon for the Warren Ranch - updated RESULTS
American Woodcock 6:45 am (several observed flying across Sharp Road from about 6:40 am to 6:45 am) 9. White-throated Sparrow The beginning of civil twilight (when there is enough light for one… Read more…
