Bryant Park’s dancing American woodcock – NBC New York

It’s small, it’s chunky, and it has fans. Lots of fans.

The little bird with a big following is the American woodcock. It has become a viral sensation thanks to its distinctive bobbing movement, and has brought birdwatchers and curious onlookers flocking to Bryant Park for a closer look.

“I saw a huge crowd and I knew immediately where to go,” one visitor said.

Others described the short legged, migratory bird as “cute,” “adorable” or “magnificent.” And that’s just those who were in the park on Friday — the fandom online is even more effusive.

The American woodcock, sometimes nicknamed “timberdoodle” for its woodland habitat and quirky “doodle bop” movements, passes through the New York City area year. But birders say this year feels different, with heightened interest fueled by social media.

Janille Hill, a beginner birder visiting from Harlem, described her sighting as a memorable first.

“I’ve been birding for a little while. I’m kind of a beginner, but this was an exciting bird for me because it’s the first time that I’m seeing it,” Hill said.

Visitors from around the world have been joining in, often stumbling upon the spectacle by chance.

“We saw a little crowd, so we said ‘What’s going on?’ And we were told there’s a migratory bird that does a little shuffle,” said Michael Stewart. “I think it’s got a lot of style, it’s a stylish funky bird.”

As long as the woodcock remains in Bryant Park, crowds are expected to keep gathering — eager to catch a glimpse of the tiny bird with big personality.

“This year it seems like it’s way more hyped up and there are a lot more people talking about it,” Michael Brockway, of Plattsburgh, said. “It’s really cool to see one during the day light like two feet away from your face. It’s a whole ‘nother experience this way.”

Bryant Park staff said the woodcock generally can be seen until mid-April before it continues its migratory journey north.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.