Every April, hundreds of people flock to Bryant Park in search of the wacky American woodcocks. These hallmarks of spring migration captivated the world not just with their quirky appearances but with their tendency to shimmy throughout the park. With their huge eyes and surprisingly long beaks, it’s no wonder that these birds quickly became a local sensation.
The American woodcocks, affectionately known as timberdoodles, are a type of shorebird in the sandpiper family. They are plump birds, close to a grapefruit in size, and have long and slender beaks to grab worms. Of note, their huge eyes, which are placed high and towards the back, help the birds see predators approaching from behind. While it’s especially useful when the woodcocks are foraging on the ground, the tradeoff is the difficulty of seeing obstacles as they fly.
Records of the birds’ appearances date back to 2002, when eBird, a bird-tracking site, launched. While they were witnessed in other parks, they seem especially fond of Bryant Park, as it is the only green area in Midtown. Because of the glass skyscrapers, which the woodcocks are prone to run into, Bryant Park is seen as a safe haven for the birds.
Their iconicness stems from their wacky dance while foraging for worms. They rock back and forth, as if driven by a silent beat. When Bryant Park hosted a special off-season bird tour, more than 650 people arrived to witness the American woodcocks. The tour was so popular that Bryant Park needed to have bird security just to manage the crowds.
But what’s the purpose behind this dancing? Many scientists are torn on the true reasoning. Some theorize that by bobbing its body around, it prompts worms to move further underground, making it easier for the birds to find prey. Others believe it’s to deter predators, as if to say, “I see you, but you can’t catch me.”
There are only so many words to describe these wonderful avians. Many videos of their iconic dance can be found on various social media platforms. In fact, Bryant Park’s post of the dancing birds in action received over 100,000 likes and hundreds of comments praising the woodcocks. If you have the time, you can head over to Bryant Park yourself by taking the PATH to 33rd Street. Afterwards, it’s a quick 10 to 20-minute walk to the park where you can enjoy the lovely spring weather and hopefully catch a glimpse of the shimmying woodcocks.
