About the Eurasian Woodcock
The Eurasian woodcock is a medium-small wading bird found in temperate and subarctic Eurasia. It has cryptic camouflage to suit its woodland habitat, with reddish-brown upperparts and buff-coloured underparts. Its eyes are set far back on its head to give it 360-degree vision and it probes in the ground for food with its long, sensitive bill, making it vulnerable to cold weather when the ground remains frozen.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Adults are 33–38 cm (13–15 in) in length, including the 6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 in) long straight bill, and have a 55–65 cm (22–26 in) wingspan. The Eurasian woodcock has cryptic camouflage to suit its woodland habitat, with intricately patterned reddish-brown upperparts and buff underparts. The head is barred with black, not striped like that of its close relatives, the snipe. It has large eyes located high on the sides of its head, giving it 360-degree monocular vision. The wings are rounded and the base of the bill is flesh-coloured with a dark tip. The legs vary from grey to pinkish.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Eurasian Woodcock sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Morocco, Algeria, Kosovo, Cambodia, North Korea, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, Albania.
When to see it
Peak activity in June · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
American WoodcockScolopax minorThe American woodcock has a plump body, short legs, a large, rounded head, and a long, straight prehensile bill.
Bukidnon WoodcockScolopax bukidnonensisThe Bukidnon woodcock, or Philippine woodcock is a medium-sized wader.
Amami WoodcockScolopax miraThe Amami woodcock is a medium-sized wader.
Side by side: American Woodcock vs Eurasian Woodcock
Learn the Eurasian Woodcock for real
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