Scolopax rusticola
The Eurasian Woodcock is a plump, cryptically coloured wading bird with a long, straight bill. Its upperparts are mottled with shades of brown, rufous, and black, providing excellent camouflage in woodland environments.
Their large brown eyes are set far back on the sides of the head, which gives them an improved peripheral vision so they are able to sense the presence of nearby predators.
Both sexes are similar in appearance, although in females the tail is slightly shorter and the bill marginally longer. There are no significant seasonal plumage changes. Juveniles closely resemble adults but may have slightly narrower tail feathers.
Length
33cm to 38cm
Wingspan
55cm to 65cm
Weight
225g to 400g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Rufous
Secondary Colour
Black Grey Buff
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Grey
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Eurasian Woodcocks inhabit damp woodland areas, preferring deciduous or mixed forests with a dense understory. They are widely distributed across Europe and Asia, from Ireland to Japan.
During winter, many birds migrate to milder regions, including southern Europe, North Africa, and southern Asia. In the UK, they are year-round residents, with numbers boosted by winter migrants from Scandinavia and Russia.
Sea level to 2,000 meters
Temperate, Subarctic
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Eurasian Woodcock. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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