The Woodcock Network

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Patron ~ The Duke of Northumberland, DL, MRICS

Scientific Advisor ~ Dr Andrew Hoodless, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust

Veterinary Advisor ~ John Chitty, BVetMed, CertZooMed, CBiol, MIBiol, MRCVS

Veterinary Advisor ~ Chris Davis, BVM&S, MRCVS

Director ~ Owen Williams

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Ageing Guide

It is important not to rely upon just one of the following checks to age Woodcock as differences may not be altogether clear and confirmation using the other checks is advised.

In general adult birds tend to have clearer markings with stronger tonal variation between barring and the background colour.

Primary tip wear

Juvenile
Juvenile primary tip

Shows wear on the tips of the outer four primaries. This is because juveniles have not yet moulted the feathers with which they fledged have been abraded whilst learning to fly.

Adult
Adult primary tip

Shows very little wear on the tips of the outer four primaries. This is due to wintering adults having recently moulted, thus displaying new feathers. Later in the winter some wear can be observed.

Inner primary profile

Juvenile
Juvenile inner primary

The tips of the inner three primary feathers in juveniles have a rounded profile.

Adult
Adult inner primary

The tips of the inner three primary feathers in adults have a flat profile with a slight notched appearance between the inner and outer webs of the feather.

Primary covert profile and tip colour

Juvenile
Juvenile primary covert

The tips of the primary coverts on the wing on a juvenile have a rounded profile and is the same tone as the rest of the red in the feather.

Adult
Adult primary covert

The tips of the primary coverts on the wing of an adult have a flattened profile with a pale tip.

Alula profile

Juvenile
Juvenile alula

The profile of the alula tip on a juvenile wing is rounded.

Adult
Adult alula

The profile of the alula tip on an adult wing is pointed.

Underwing primary covert profile

Juvenile
Juvenile underwing primary covert

The tips of the underwing coverts on a juvenile have a pointed profile.

Adult
Adult underwing primary covert

The tips of the underwing coverts on an adult have a flattened profile. It is possible to see a mixture of adult and juvenile underwing coverts as juveniles mature into adulthood.

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