Woodcock
Scolopax rusticola
Length 34cm

Dumpy, short-legged, long-billed wader. Marbled chestnut, black and white plumage affords superb camouflage among fallen leaves. Large eyes placed high on head give bird almost complete all-round vision. Nests on ground in woodlands throughout Britain and Ireland; camouflage and habit of sitting tight make it difficult to see. Easiest to observe on spring evenings when male performs 'roding' display over treetops; presence also indicated by soft duck-like calls and explosive squeaks. Feeds mostly between dusk and dawn, probing damp ground for worms. Resident British birds joined by continental visitors in winter.