Bukidnon Woodcock

Overview

The Bukidnon woodcock, or Scolopax bukidnonensis, is a medium-sized wader found in the Philippines. It was only formally described as a new species in 2001, after earlier specimens were misidentified as Eurasian woodcocks.

Identification

• Rich reddish-brown upperparts that are finely barred and vermiculated with black, with broad blackish bars across the crown.
• Paler buff underparts.
• Long beak with a flexible tip used to extract worms and other invertebrates from soil.
• Eye positioned high and far back on the head.

Habitat

This species is restricted to mountain forests above 1,000 metres in the Philippines, specifically on four mountaintops in Mindanao and in the centre and north of Luzon. Its habitat is extremely remote and rugged, which has helped preserve large portions of its range from logging and agriculture.

Diet

Believed to feed at night or dusk in areas with thick moss and foliage. It likely consumes worms and other invertebrates, using its long, flexible bill to extract them from the soil.

Did you know?

Although its initial specimens were collected in the 1960s, the bird was not recognised as a distinct species until it was heard calling in 1993. Its flight display involves flying wide circuits over the forest while producing a loud, metallic, rattling 'pip-pip-pip-pip-pip' sound interspersed with quiet grunts.