Current status and recent trend of the Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola as a breeding bird in Britain

Abstract

Capsule The breeding Woodcock population in Britain in 2013 was estimated at 55,241 males (95% CL: 41,806-69,004), suggesting a large-scale decline that is supported by 2 additional sources of data.

Aims To provide an updated estimate of the size of Britain's breeding Woodcock population, measure recent trends and identify spatial patterns of change.

Methods Displaying male Woodcock were surveyed at a stratified sample of 834 randomly selected sites. Population estimates were compared with a baseline survey conducted in 2003 and the trend with data from annual Woodcock counts (2003-13) and Bird Atlas 2007-11.

Results Woodcock were estimated to be present at 22% of 1 × 1 km squares containing ≥10 ha of woodland, compared to 35% in 2003. The British population estimate fell by 29% between 2003 and 2013. The Atlas suggests that presence at the 10 × 10 km scale has declined by 56% between 1970 and 2010. Both data sources suggest regional variation in the rate of decline, with losses greatest in the West and South.

Conclusion The Woodcock's population size and breeding range appear to be declining severely across Britain. Regional variation in the rate of decline might be explained by the distribution of large continuous woodlands.