Order: Charadriiformes.
Family: Scolopacidae.
Physically it appears to have a similar structure to the Common Snipe, much smaller in size and with longitudinal stripes on the cap.
It is not possible to sex this species by its plumage.
It is possible to recognize 3 different ages:
Juvenile specimen: with a general appearance similar to the adult, but with the tips of the primary coverts with a rusty-brown edge; new plumage.
1st year / 2nd year specimen: during spring they maintain the tips of the primary coverts with a wide ante edge. The tips of the outer primaries appear narrow and worn. In the case of not having molted, there are distal spots of the tail feathers (underside of feather) of grayish white color.
Adult specimen: in this case the tips of the primary coverts have a narrow clear edge. The tip of the outer primaries are wide and unworn. There are distal spots on the rectrices (underside of feather) of silvery white color.
The Eurasian Woodcock performs a complete post-nuptial molt which is usually a process that usually ends in the month of September. On the other hand, juvenile specimens perform a partial post-juvenile molt including body feathers, all or part of the rectrices, lesser and median coverts and secondary infra-coverts. This last molt is usually finished in October.
Primaries: 10 per wing.
Secundaries: 15 – 17 per wing.
Rectrices: 12 – 14.
