This field note was originally posted to the NH Birds Google Group on 4–28-2025.
A few minutes ago on my farm in Sullivan, I saw an American Woodcock engage in a broken wing display in the manner of a Killdeer. I had no idea that they do this! The woodcock was sitting in the middle of a grassy logging road and flushed just as one of my border collies was about to step on her. I was perhaps four feet to the side. She flew a short distance into the woods and then started the broken wing performance while she was making a guttural vocalization I hadn’t heard before. The display definitely worked, as my border collies, who usually ignore all woodcocks, were very interested in her. I focused on getting the dogs out of the area and so didn’t carefully check the spot she was flushed from for eggs. I’ll try to go back without my pups to investigate further.
Editor’s Note: Milton ended up not rechecking the nest location so as not to disturb the woodcocks any further.
Enjoy this field note? Check out other field notes from Spring 2025!
- A Tailless Red-winged Blackbird Named Bob by Len Medlock
- Garter Snake Eats a Wilson’s Warbler by Cole Parks
- Osprey Nesting Tree Collapses by Kirk Elwell
- Spiderwebs are Useful! (for hummingbirds, at least) by Kathryn Frieden
- White-faced Song Sparrow by Jim Sparrell
- The Fate of a “White Dove” by Kathryn Frieden
- Woodcock Distraction Display by Milton Trimitsis
Want even more? Visit our “From the Field” page.