[Bone injuries and skeletal abnormalities in the woodcock (Scolopax rusticola, L. 1758)]

Out of total of 78 European woodcock skeletons 15 showed repaired fractures, deformations and anomalies. Most of these were located in the distal parts of the extremities (7 cases). In four cases the sternum and in two at a time the furcula and the scapula were affected. No damages were observed in the brachial skeleton and in the femur. At the time of shooting all the woodcocks investigated in this study were in a good physical condition and showed full capacity of flight.