Woodcock – the forest "invisible"

This secretive bird of the snipe family arrives in Belarus at the end of March. The woodcock is perfectly camouflaged among fallen leaves thanks to its reddish-brown plumage with dark spots. Key facts: • Appearance: Weighs around 400 g, with a stocky build and a long, straight beak (up to 10 cm). • Habitat: Damp deciduous forests and the edges of swamps. • Activity: It is nocturnal. Using its sensitive beak, it finds earthworms and larvae in the soil. • Special feature: During the spring mating season, males emit specific sounds – a "churring" sound.