Every spring, males “dance” to attract mates by spiraling through the air while making a twittering sound with their wings. ... Because male woodcock take no part in nesting or care of the offspring, they can continually display and breed with different females.

Why do American woodcocks bounce?

The Woodcock's rocking-walk display may act as a signal in a situation of a perceived potential audience or a predator, indicating that it is aware and can explode off the ground and escape if the predator seems likely to attack. The display saves the bird the energy and bother of flying off and possibly being chased.

Are American woodcocks rare?

Probably declining in eastern United States, may be increasing in parts of Canada as coniferous forests are cut and grow up to thickets. Still reasonably common overall. Wet thickets, moist woods, brushy swamps.