The American Woodcock (Scolopax minoris) a plump, well-camouflaged bird with mottled brown plumage, short legs, and a long, straight bill. Unlike most shorebirds, it spends its time on the forest floor, where its coloring helps it blend in with fallen leaves. Its large eyes sit high and far back on its head, giving it a wide field of view while searching the ground for food.
Diet: American Woodcocks feed primarily on earthworms, using their long bills to probe soft soil. They also eat insects, spiders, snails, and other small invertebrates. Their bill has a flexible tip that helps them grasp and extract prey from the soil.
Range: This species is native to eastern North America, breeding across much of the eastern United States and southern Canada. Many northern populations migrate south for the winter, while some birds in the southern part of their range remain year-round.
Habitat: American Woodcocks favor young, shrubby forests, woodland edges, old fields, and other areas with moist soil and plenty of earthworms. They also need open clearings where males can perform their elaborate courtship displays.
Interesting Fact: In spring, males perform a spectacular courtship display known as a “sky dance.” They begin with a buzzy, nasal peent call before spiraling high into the air and descending in a zigzag pattern. As they fly, their wing feathers produce a distinctive twittering sound. They also have eyes positioned unusually far back on their heads, helping them watch for danger while their bills are buried in the soil.
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2022
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.
The American Woodcock (Scolopax minoris) a plump, well-camouflaged bird with mottled brown plumage, short legs, and a long, straight bill. Unlike most shorebirds, it spends its time on the forest floor, where its coloring helps it blend in with fallen leaves. Its large eyes sit high and far back on its head, giving it a wide field of view while searching the ground for food.
Diet: American Woodcocks feed primarily on earthworms, using their long bills to probe soft soil. They also eat insects, spiders, snails, and other small invertebrates. Their bill has a flexible tip that helps them grasp and extract prey from the soil.
Range: This species is native to eastern North America, breeding across much of the eastern United States and southern Canada. Many northern populations migrate south for the winter, while some birds in the southern part of their range remain year-round.
Habitat: American Woodcocks favor young, shrubby forests, woodland edges, old fields, and other areas with moist soil and plenty of earthworms. They also need open clearings where males can perform their elaborate courtship displays.
Interesting Fact: In spring, males perform a spectacular courtship display known as a “sky dance.” They begin with a buzzy, nasal peent call before spiraling high into the air and descending in a zigzag pattern. As they fly, their wing feathers produce a distinctive twittering sound. They also have eyes positioned unusually far back on their heads, helping them watch for danger while their bills are buried in the soil.
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2022
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.
