Woodcock

Woodcocks are an intriguing group of wading birds classified under the genus *Scolopax*, which includes seven or eight extant species. The name "Scolopax" originates from Latin, meaning snipe or woodcock, and the English term dates back to approximately 1050. These birds primarily inhabit the Northern Hemisphere, with certain species found in island regions such as the Greater Sunda Islands, Wallacea, and New Guinea. They share a close evolutionary relationship with the true snipes of the genus *Gallinago*, with their evolutionary divergence estimated to have occurred between 55.8 and 33.9 million years ago.

One of the most fascinating aspects of woodcocks is their rapid speciation in island chains. For instance, the Amami woodcock and various species on the Indonesian islands, the Philippines, and New Guinea are products of this swift speciation. Woodcocks have a distinctive appearance characterized by stocky bodies, cryptic plumage, and long bills ideal for foraging for invertebrates in soft ground. These birds predominantly reside in woodlands and are known for their nocturnal feeding habits. Another remarkable trait is their unique display behavior known as "roding."

The Eurasian woodcock, in particular, has an extensive breeding range that spans Europe and Asia, including boreal forests, Japan, Spain, and the Himalayas. Some woodcock species are favored by game hunters, a practice that has unfortunately contributed to the decline of island endemic species due to overhunting. Interestingly, the pin feathers of the Eurasian woodcock are cherished by artists for fine painting work. Additionally, the cocker spaniel dog breed was originally developed for hunting woodcock.

The currently recognized species of woodcocks include the Eurasian woodcock (*Scolopax rusticola*), Amami woodcock (*Scolopax mira*), Javan woodcock (*Scolopax saturata*), New Guinea woodcock (*Scolopax rosenbergii*), Bukidnon woodcock (*Scolopax bukidnonensis*), Sulawesi woodcock (*Scolopax celebensis*), Moluccan woodcock (*Scolopax roondui*), and American woodcock (*Scolopax minor*). Additionally, there are numerous extinct species known solely from fossil or subfossil remains.