Lymnocryptes minimus
Length:
17cm to 19cm
Wingspan:
38cm to 42cm
Weight:
35g to 73g
The jack snipe is a small, secretive bird that uses its camouflaged plumage to its advantage when approached. It does this by crouching down to try and blend in with the surroundings, and will only usually fly off at the last minute. Jack snipes won't fly very high or for long though and will drop rapidly - unlike other snipers which tend to fly off in a zig-zag motion and high.
They are smaller than the snipe, also with a smaller bill and whilst feeding they tend to look rather 'bouncy'.
Their diets mainly consist of worms, insects and snails.
Get the latest BirdFacts delivered straight to your inbox
