Environment DEC
From the October 2006 issue
Read About the Surprising American Woodcock in October's Conservationist Magazine
A Bird of Many Names
Woodcock illustration by Jean Gawalt
The American woodcock is one of our state's most unusual upland birds. With a bill that looks too long for its body, eyes set high on the back of its head, and ears placed forward on the face between the eyes and the bill, the woodcock is known by many local names, including timberdoodle, bog sucker, mud bat, mud snipe and Labrador twister. These migratory birds spend each spring and fall traveling between their breeding grounds in northern North America, and their wintering grounds in the southern United States. In the October issue of Conservationist, DEC wildlife biologist Timothy J. Post discusses the habits and future of the American woodcock.
Population Declining
With the loss of upland and wetland habitats due to development, succession and forest maturation, American woodcock populations have been declining throughout the eastern United States. In addition, the reduction in forestry practices, especially in riparian areas, which are critical for breeding and migrating purposes, also contributes to the loss in woodcock numbers. The good news is that land management techniques, including proper harvest management of forested lands, can help restore woodcock populations.
