🌿Native Nature

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia ›Phylum: Chordata ›Class: Aves ›Order: Charadriiformes ›Family: Scolopacidae ›Genus: Scolopax

About

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of American Woodcock?
The scientific name of American Woodcock is Scolopax minor.
What is the conservation status of American Woodcock?
The American Woodcock has a conservation status of Least Concern.
What kingdom does American Woodcock belong to?
American Woodcock belongs to the kingdom Animalia.
What phylum does American Woodcock belong to?
American Woodcock belongs to the phylum Chordata.
What class does American Woodcock belong to?
American Woodcock belongs to the class Aves.
What order does American Woodcock belong to?
American Woodcock belongs to the order Charadriiformes.
What family does American Woodcock belong to?
American Woodcock belongs to the family Scolopacidae.
What genus does American Woodcock belong to?
American Woodcock belongs to the genus Scolopax.

In the News

Building a bird haven, one habitat at a time

For years, Joshua Harkness and his family had seen American Woodcocks on their farm and forest property Perry Hill in Amenia, NY, but only at the tail-end of winter. 22926The woodcocks would arrive...

Audubon · 6/24/2026

Spring Migration is Aways Exciting

Probably the most surprising news this spring was that some staff members scared up an American Woodcock with three youngsters. This is the first documentation that this species successfully breeds...

Audubon · 5/15/2026