Eurasian Woodcock – Scolopax rusticola

The Eurasian woodcock is a medium-small wading bird found in temperate and subarctic Eurasia.

It has the size of a partridge. Short on legs, its beak is long and allows it to search moist humus undergrowth in search of worms that it attracts to the surface by stuttering trampling. It is through touch that feels its prey in the ground because its eyes are oddly placed on the side of the head, allowing it to monitor the surroundings and the sky while searching for food.

It walks slowly, bent back, careful not to make noise and activity is limited to a small space. At the slightest warning, it freezes anxiously evading view by mimicry of its marked plumage of brown, yellow and black that blends with the layer of dead leaves covering the forest undergrowth. In warning, Eurasian woodcock suddenly decides to go with great rapidity, rising zigzagging, deftly weaving between the tightest branches, then clean the treetops.