Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

The woodcock is a dumpy short-legged wader about the size of a pigeon but with a long straight bill. It has beautifully barred brown plumage that provides the perfect disguise in its favoured woodland habitat. It is similar to, but larger than snipe.
Woodcock fly with a stiff flickering wing beats that produce a whirring sound. The bird will twist between the trees showing rusty brown rump and tail.

It is hard to see woodcock as they roost on the ground in undergrowth during the day and will only be seen if they are disturbed. They only come out to feed at dusk and dawn.
During the breeding season, April to June, the males can be seen on evening roding flights whilst they try to attract females. During the roding flights the males patrol large areas flying with rapid wing beats.

Woodcock are resident all year in the UK, except the south west, with the best places to see them in Norfolk in wooded areas. They prefer deciduous woodlands but can also be found in coniferous woods within the Brecks Living Landscape area.
In the winter migrant birds from Finland and Scandinavia increase the UK’s resident population and more birds are seen in areas of coastal woodland.

British Trust for Ornithology
RSPB

Help Norfolk Wildlife Trust to protect the habitat of this secretive bird.