The bécasse or woodcock is an elusive wading bird with a long slender bill much prized by French gourmets for its gamey taste and succulent meat.
It winters in much of France, and are generally taste best then. In many restaurants, it is roasted with the entrails inside, which are considered a delicacy, the body massaged with butter, salt and pepper, with some garlic tucked under its skin (en chemise) before it is roasted until golden.
Image by Craig Nash