American Woodcock
Scolopax minor
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Charadriiformes · Scolopacidae
About
The American woodcock, sometimes colloquially referred to as the timberdoodle, mudbat, becasse, bogsucker, hokumpoke, trainanator, brush snipe, night partridge, or Labrador twister is a small shorebird species found primarily in the eastern half of North America. Woodcocks spend most of their time on the ground in brushy, young-forest habitats, where the birds' brown, black, and gray plumage provides excellent camouflage.
Fun Fact
Because of the male woodcock's unique, beautiful courtship flights, the bird is welcomed as a harbinger of spring in northern areas.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Live in wet thickets, moist woods, and brushy swamps.
Diet
Eat mainly invertebrates, particularly earthworms (Oligochaeta), so it's been known to use worm charming methods in order to bring the worms to the surface.
Lifespan
8 years (wild)
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance