The American woodcock (Scolopax minor), sometimes colloquially referred to as the timberdoodle, is a small chunky shorebird species found primarily in the eastern half of North America. Woodcocks spend most of their time on the ground in brushy, young-forest habitats, where the birds' brown, black, and gray plumage provides excellent camouflage.
Description: round bodied with a short neck, short legs, and long bill. Has an orange chest, camouflaged pattern on back, and three black bars on its head. 11in head to tail.
Found in park: More commonly seen at lower elevations during spring through fall, but has been seen at all elevations.
Habitat: moist woodlands, thickets, and tall grass fields
Status: uncommon permanent resident