looduskalender.ee

These birds with their secluded mode of life inhabit stands of wet marsh and mixed forest between boggy meadows. It is a common bird species in Estonia, often confused with the common snipe, but the woodcock is larger, with a rounder exterior and rusty-brown plumage. The wings and body are brown, covered with black and creamy spots. Underparts lighter, with dark brown bands. With such camouflage colours the bird is very difficult to spot.

 

In spring the male birds go on long mating flights above the territory of the female birds, alwyas in the dusk in evening or morning. The flight is accompanied by ”croaking sounds”  – kvorr, kvorr -  alternating with high-pitched “psiips”.  The female birds answer with snorting calls or by rising in the air for a moment to accompany the flight.