The scope of shape analysis based on geometric morphometrics has evolved into underscoring complex patterns of multidimensional shape change with multivariate statistical modelling (e.g., allometry, morphological integration, etc.). Such breakthrough was made possible because the method relies on a consistent comparative reference system to compare shapes, the latter which is computed using the Cartesian coordinates of homologous landmarks. It has been shown elsewhere that traditional comparative reference systems based on anatomy, and oriented in stereotyped postures, such as the Frankfurt plane at rest, the Lateral Semicircular Canal when the animal is in alert, or the cranial floor when the animal is flying, are all inconsistent for anatomical comparisons. They vary too much and unpredictably across species. An extraordinary example of the problems that can arise in descriptive and comparative anatomy when using such reference systems is the traditional interpretation of the head of the Woodcock. Anywhere in literature it is written that the eyes of this gamebird are oriented backwards to protect itself from predators. Here, using geometric morphometrics it is demonstrated that the woodcock’s skull is highly transformed, yet following a normal trend among birds. In turn, using GM it is demonstrated that the collective wisdom about this oddity is simply the result of interpreting the anatomy of its skull using unreliable reference systems.