The American woodcock ( Scolopax minor ) is a striking wader found in the forests and damp areas of North America. With its long, sensitive bill, it searches the soft soil for earthworms and other small invertebrates. Thanks to its brown-mottled plumage, it is perfectly camouflaged among leaves and branches on the forest floor. In spring, the American woodcock is known for the spectacular courtship flight of the male, which rises high into the air and spirals back down while singing. An adult American woodcock grows to about 25 to 30 cm in length.
