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The American Woodcock is commonly found in secluded areas of the Algonquin Highlands that have been previously cleared or disturbed. They are chunky in appearance, with rounded wings and a very long bill. Their eyes are large, and located close to the back of their head. The pattern on their backs resembles a dead leaf, rendering the bird nearly invisible among dried leaves. When startled, the Woodcock will flee in a zigzagging pattern.
Mostly active at night, the American Woodcock probes the earth with its long, sensitive bill, searching for earthworms. The tip of the beak is very flexible, allowing them to grasp a worm while probing, without even opening the bill. Occasionally insect larvae and vegetable matter are also eaten.
Their call is a loud buzzing bzeep sound, repeated often during courtship. The male courtship dance consists of spiraling up to a great height, circling, and then plummeting back down to earth, while musically chippering to attract females. The American Woodcock makes its nest in a hollow covered with dead leaves or under brush. An average of four eggs are laid, buff in colour and spotted with brown.
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AMERICAN WOODCOCK
Scolopax minor
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