Woodcock
Scientific Name: Scolopax rusticolaMaltese Name: Gallina
Family: Waders (Scolopacidae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Woodcock is an extremely difficult bird to see because of its plumage that blends in with its surrounding habitat. It has a long straight bill with brownish pattern on upperparts and barred underside. Its eyes are set at the backend of its head. In flight it shows its broad wings and distinctive bill. In Europe is found in woodland areas, often flying at dusk with regular grunts and whistles. Otherwise is rarely seen in broad day time as it spends its time hidden in the ground. It probes for worms, beetles and other insects in muddy ditches and ponds. In Europe it breeds in almost all counties except those of far north and parts of Spain and Portugal, is resident in north-west areas while the rest migrate to the Mediterranean for the winter. It is known to live up to 10 years.
Status:
Is quite scarce but one should keep in mind that this bird is a very popular game bird with some local hunters, those migrants arriving at night, hunted in the early hours of morning giving the chance of seeing one after very narrow. Sometimes influxes occur.
When to See:
The Woodcock is associated with the month of November but also recorded in October and December. Small return passage also noted in some years in March.
Where to See:
Prefers wooded areas and deep valleys with cover. Buskett is a good site amongst many others.
Photographs:
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Woodcock, 10th December 1991 |
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