The American woodcock (Scolopax minor), sometimes referred to as “timberdoodle” is a plump, short-legged upland shorebird (classified with sandpipers) about the size of a robin. They spend most of their time on the ground in brushy, young-forest habitats, where the birds' brown, black, and gray plumage provides excellent camouflage, making them nearly impossible to spot. A very little tail and neck and a long beak, make them look a little like a flying football.
On spring nights, the males perform a conspicuous courtship display beginning with a buzzy “peent” call, then launch into the air. They ascend quite high and create a distinctive “twittering” flight sound before ending in a steep dive back to the ground. And then it repeats. This usually happens just before dawn and dusk. Courtship displays can start as early as December in the southern parts of its range and as late as March in the North. Here it begins around mid-February.
American woodcock (Scolopax minor)
Sunday evening, a group of intrigued members gathered to witness this courtship. Loaded in the van and vehicles, we headed to the site armed with high hopes and headlamps. The single male we were able to hear and watch began his dance around 7:40 pm. As he called and flew, we inched closer in hopes of getting a look at him. As the light faded, the odds of actually seeing him diminished but we could hear his calls and twitters and witness his swift swoop back to the ground. It was exciting to be out in the last vestiges of light honing our senses to experience this unique display.
