Scientific name: Scolopax minor

The American Woodcock is a pudgy little shorebird with many distinctive features. Their long bill is used to probe for insects, which make up a large component of the bird’s diet. Their eyes are set further back on their head to help them see potential predators above them while they’re on the ground. Most notably, the American Woodcock has a unique bobbing walk that looks like they are rocking back and forth. It is thought that when they do this walk, they stomp the ground to stir up any insects that may be hidden.