American Woodcock

Small Game | Season: CLOSED

Field Reference: American Woodcock

Chunky bird with mottled brown plumage and a very long, straight bill.

Moist, silty soils in young forests and alder swales.

Known for a spiral "sky dance" at dawn and dusk. Flushes with a whistling sound and erratic flight.

Follow the "push" during October migrations. Look for "chalk" (white splashes) on the ground as a sign birds are present.

The Woodcock is the only bird that has a prehensile tip on its bill, allowing it to grab earthworms while the bill is buried underground.