Eurasian Woodcock

Крупный кулик размером больше голубя, длинноклювый, плотного телосложения. Окраска из сочетаний бледно-палевых, рыжих, коричневых и темно-бурых пятен сверху и волнистой полосатости снизу. Молодые отличаются от взрослых только при близком разглядывании, у них на больших верхних кроющих первостепенных маховых концевая охристая полоса такой же ширины и того же цвета, что и другие охристые пестрины на этих перьях (у взрослых она бледнее и уже). Концевые пятна на нижней поверхности рулевых у взрослых птиц серебристо-белые, у молодых эти пятна серые. Вес 210-460 г, длина 33-35, крыло 18,2-21,8, размах 55-65 см.

Rare, but locally fairly common breeding migrant. Inhabits the dense deciduous forests with the dead wind-fallen trees and shrubs, the mixed forests with the patches of asp trees or with prevailing of deciduous trees and shrubs; in mountains at altitudes 1300-2000 m in Zailiyskiy Alatau; or the riparian scrubby forests with the small marsh plots in deserted foothills. On migration occurs in forested river valleys, groves, shelterbelts, gardens, and rare in the reed-beds on shores of lakes. Arrives from end of March to mid-April, latest migrants observed in early May. Nest is located under the scarce grass or bush in the shallow hole and is lined with dead grass and leaves. The males displaying flights take place in early April to first ten days of July. Clutch of 4 eggs is laid in late April to mid-June. Only female incubates the clutch. Chicks hatched in early May to early July, the latest brood with flying juveniles was recorded in August 23, 2000. The long breeding time can be explained not only by re-nesting, but also by the double-breeding of some females. The autumn migration begins at northern areas in August, at southern ones begins in September, and finishes until the end of October.