Bukidnon woodcock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bukidnon woodcock |
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The Bukidnon woodcock (Scolopax bukidnonensis), also known as the Philippine woodcock, is a medium-sized wader. Waders are birds that usually live near water and have long legs for wading. This bird was only officially described as a new species in 2001.
Before 2001, some specimens were found in the 1960s on Luzon island. However, people thought they were Eurasian woodcocks. It wasn't until 1993, when its unique call was heard, and new birds were found on Mindanao in 1995, that scientists realized it was a completely new species. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists this bird as "Least Concern". This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
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What the Bukidnon Woodcock Looks Like
The Bukidnon woodcock has a rich reddish-brown color on its back. It has fine black lines and patterns, with broader black markings across the top of its head. Its belly and underside are lighter in color.
Its eyes are set high and far back on its head. It has a long beak with a flexible tip. This special beak helps it pull worms and other small creatures from the soil.
Where the Bukidnon Woodcock Lives
This bird lives only in the mountain forests of the Philippines. You can find it on the islands of Mindanao (on four mountaintops) and Luzon (in the center and north). It lives in places higher than 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) above sea level.
Its home is very remote and rugged. This means it's hard for people to reach. Because of this, the land is not good for cutting down trees (logging) or for farming.
Bukidnon Woodcock's Daily Life
The Bukidnon woodcock prefers montane forests, which are forests found in mountainous regions. It is a very shy and secretive bird. During the day, it rests quietly on the forest floor. At night, it becomes active.
These birds fly in wide circles over the forest. They make a loud, metallic, rattling sound that goes `pip-pip-pip-pip-pip`. This sound is mixed with very quiet grunts.
How the Bukidnon Woodcock Behaves
Scientists don't know much about this bird's behavior in the wild. However, it is known to perform a special "roding" display flight. This happens just before dawn, usually from January to March. Other birds in the same group (genus) also do this kind of flight.
Conservation Status of the Bukidnon Woodcock
The Bukidnon woodcock lives across a large area. It is also quite common within its home range. Scientists have not counted the exact number of these birds. However, the IUCN has listed it as being of "Least Concern".
This means the IUCN believes that if the bird's population is decreasing, it is happening very slowly. It is not fast enough to put the bird into a more threatened category right now.
