Woodcock
Irish Name: | Creabhar |
Scientific name: | Scolopax rusticola |
Bird Family: | Waders |
red
Conservation status
Conservation status
Status
Resident & winter visitor from Scandinavia and Russia. Red-listed in Ireland, due to a decline in the breeding population. The European population has been evaluated as Declining, due to a moderate recent decline
Identification
With its long straight bill and plump body, it resembles a large Snipe. It is rarely seen on the ground, due to its secretive nature and cryptic plumage (which mimics dead leaves) and spends most of its day hidden amongst vegetation on the woodland floor. The best way to see a Woodcock is to wait at a good vantage point on a forest track or firebreak at dusk during spring or early summer. Listen for the call, then watch for the bird to appear, performing a strange fluttering display flight over the tree tops. This activity is known as roding. In flight, Woodcock have a heavy-chested appearance and rather rounded wings.
Voice
In breeding season, 3-4 grunted notes followed by a high-pitched, short, explosive 'pissp' sound made by the roding male at dusk and dawn, as they fly above the trees.
Diet
Feed predominantly on earthworms, at night.
Breeding
Nests on the ground in forests and woodland, usually well camouflaged amongst dead leaves and low vegetation. Young leave the nest soon after hatching.
Wintering
Wider distribution in winter, occurring in woodland, also scrub and some open areas (bracken and heather-covered hills).
Blog posts about this bird
BirdWatch Ireland expresses disappointment at outcome of Open Seasons Order review
BirdWatch Ireland acknowledges publication of changes to the Open Seasons Order by Minister Noonan for the coming season.
The removal of four duck species – Scaup, Pochard, Goldeneye and Pintail – due to severe declines in their populations shows some progress by the Minister to address the vulnerable status of these species. However, BirdWatch Ireland is disappointed that two additional species that we recommended for removal – Shoveler and Golden Plover – remain on the list though the science clearly shows declines in those populations also.
No rationale has been provided as to why these species remain on the list. The information provided announcing the decision is inadequate and lacking detail. The most severe impacts to waterbirds and wading birds that are on the Open Seasons Order relate to habitat loss and degradation, pollution, disturbance and climate change. However, every pressure and threat must be addressed considering the dire conservation status of many of the species that are huntable in Ireland. We hope that hunting organisations will support this decision and we also hope that government will assist hunting organisations to be able to contribute to data collection in Ireland.
Earlier this year, BirdWatch Ireland called for six of the 21 bird species currently permitted to be hunted under the Open Seasons Order to be removed from the list, a suggestion underpinned by the robust scientific evidence of their ongoing declines in Ireland. We also urged for more analysis to be undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to determine how best to proceed in relation to nine of the other species listed. These proposals were some of many made as part of our submission to the public consultation on the review of the Open Seasons Order for Birds.