Snipe Bird

Latin name: Gallinago delicata

Population: Unknown as this species has not been counted separately from the Common Snipe. The population for this species has been estimated to be between one and three million, a potential underestimate.

Cites classified: Least Concern

Where found: The Wilson’s Snipe breeds across a wide area in North America, from western Alaska all the way to the northeastern United States. This breeding range excludes the Arctic coast of North America and the Canadian Arctic islands. In the winter, most Wilson’s Snipes migrate southward to the southern United States and Central and northern South America. Wilson’s Snipes that breed along the northwest Pacific Coast of North America are full-year residents.

Age/ life expectancy: Nine years

Wingspan: 44-48 cm

Length: 25-27 cm

Weight: 85-125 g

Mating/Breeding: The breeding process begins with a drumming display flight by the male. Both the male and the female engage in a mutual display flight as well. Wilson’s Snipes nest in shallow scrapes lined with local vegetation and located in concealed areas. The female only incubates the eggs for about three weeks. When hatching occurs, the male takes the oldest two chicks and leaves the nest to care for them. The female takes care of the youngest two chicks. The self-feeding chicks are independent after about twenty days.

Eggs: Four buff eggs with heavy red blotching

Hibernation: Most Wilson’s Snipes migrate southward away from breeding grounds to warmer locales in the southern United States and Central and South America during the winter.

Hunting Habits: Feeding birds will use both probing and pecking techniques to catch prey. This species usually feeds in areas of shallow water.

Feed on: Invertebrates

Predators: Foxes, hawks, falcons, harriers, and owls

Colour/Body: In all plumages, the Wilson’s Snipe is nearly identical to the Common Snipe. Breeding and non-breeding adults have a brown crown with a buff stripe and a buff head. A dark brown patch is also visible immediately below the eyes. Below, the throat and breast are colored buff, with the latter showing heavy dark streaking. The lower underparts are white with brown streaking. The feathers of the back are dark brown and black with red-brown barring and buff edges. Buff stripes also run the length of the back. The feathers of the upperwing are dark brown and have pale brown bands while the flight feathers are almost entirely dark brown with minimal white edging. Juvenile birds have more buff edging on their upperparts.

Interesting Trivia: Until very recently, this bird was considered to be a subspecies of the Common Snipe. Wilson’s Snipes have sixteen tail-feathers, while Common Snipes usually have only fourteen. Common Snipes, however, can have anywhere between twelve and eighteen tail-feathers. These two species would be very difficult to differentiate in the field, but their ranges do not overlap.

Snipe Bird
Snipe Bird
Snipe Bird
Snipe Bird
Snipe Bird