Woodcock is a type of bird that lives in moist woods and sheltered marshes in many parts of the world. Woodcocks are mostly tan and brown, the colors of wood and dead leaves. These colors camouflage the bird in its surroundings and help protect it from predators (hunting animals). There are several species (kinds) of woodcocks.
The American woodcock nests in the eastern half of the United States and southern Canada. It measures about 11 inches (28 centimeters) long and has a large body for its length. It has short legs and a long bill that it uses to search for earthworms in the mud. The American woodcock winters from Missouri to New Jersey and south to the Gulf Coast. It arrives north again in February or early March. The bird builds its nest of dry leaves on the ground.
Male woodcocks perform remarkable displays of courtship for the females on spring mornings or evenings. The male circles high in the air, then dives earthward, making whistling sounds with its feathers. It pulls out of the dive just before crashing, lands in a clearing, and gives a mating call. Many bird watchers visit the display sites of woodcocks to observe this ritual.
Loading the player...American woodcock
