The New Guinea woodcock is a species of bird in the family Scolopacidae formerly considered to be conspecific with the Javan woodcock and called collectively the dusky woodcock. It is native to the New Guinea Highlands.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the montane forests of New Guinea, favoring mossy and cloud forest with dense undergrowth and damp soil. It frequents forest edges, clearings, boggy glades, and stream margins where probing is easier. The species is largely crepuscular and nocturnal, spending daylight hours hidden in thick leaf litter. It is patchily distributed but can be locally fairly common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The New Guinea woodcock is a secretive, nocturnal shorebird adapted to dense montane forests. It was formerly lumped with the Javan woodcock under the name dusky woodcock but is now recognized as a distinct species. Its large eyes and cryptic plumage help it forage at night on the forest floor. It is seldom seen, but its soft, grunting display calls may be heard at dusk.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, direct flights through forest
Social Behavior
Primarily solitary outside the breeding season and forages alone on the forest floor. Nests on the ground in leaf litter, typically with a small clutch. Males perform crepuscular display flights and calls over clearings or along forest edges during the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Most vocal at dusk and dawn, giving soft grunts and squeaky whistles during display flights. Calls are low and easily missed unless one is close, adding to the species’ elusive reputation.
