Woodcock (Eurasian Woodcock)
Scolopax rusticola
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Distribution Britain 1,204 (-28.9%) Ireland 179 (-64.1%)
Numbers breeding: Britain 15,000 Ireland 3,000 European status: 600,000 (3% in Britain and Ireland = 8=) British population trend: seriously declining (-55% CBC){-70%} How likely are you to record it? 8 squares (0.2%) Ranked 155= [101=] |
The squeaky, croaking whistles of roding (displaying male) Woodcock were not at all familiar until about 1820 when the species started to breed extensively in Britain and Ireland. Within 10 or 20 years it had spread to breed in almost all counties — possibly as a result of the protection of woodland where Pheasants were nesting and increased planting of trees. The population seemed stable and well established at the time of the first Atlas and during 1975 survey in Ireland. But widespread losses were recorded in the second Atlas (1988-1991): crepuscular species were probably less well recorded. However there is very good evidence for a real, widespread and substantial decrease over the last 15 or 20 years. Maturing forests and dry springs have been blamed but Ireland and the West are wet and most of the area of loss appears not to have altered much. However many of the pastures, where they feed, have been improved and powerful chemicals are used to dose sheep and cattle against worms and other parasites. Outlook again poor — are we going back 100 years?
From
The
State of the Nations Birds
Copyright © 2000 by Chris Mead