Woodcock - Woodcock Hunting - Upland Hunting
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Description
The American Woodcock is a strange looking, plump little bird. It has a short neck, short legs, and a long, straight bill. It's coloring it a mottled brown with spots of black over its tail, back, and crown. Its underside is often a cinnamon shade with gray areas around its sides and neck.
The American Woodcock is related to the sandpiper, but lives in the thick of the woods. They are often found in damp wooded areas, like wet thickets and moist forests. Their long bill is perfect for helping them find earthworms and other insects to eat. Their bill probes deep into soft earth looking for food. Their dark eyes are set far back on its head, making it easy for them to watch for danger while their bills are buried in the dirt.
As an adult, the woodcock is approximately 12 inches long with a wingspan reaching 20 inches. The wings are rounded and fairly short in proportion to their bodies. When standing, they are five inches tall. The females are often slightly larger than the males. A female American Woodcock may weigh seven and a half ounces while the males average around six.
One of the unique aspects of the American Woodcock is their mating ritual. The males perform a "sky dance". This ritual begins with the male birds in an open area, like a field. The male birds will make a nasal beeping noise while they are still on the ground. The next stage has them flying high in the sky in a twisting display, often referred to as their sky dance. They will continue making a twittering sound both vocally and with the help of their wings to add to the song.
Between their unique looks and mating flights, the American Woodcock has become popular with hunters and bird watchers. These game birds can be found on the east coast of North America. They are migrating birds that will nest in fields and young forests.
