Jack Snipe
Lymnocryptes minimus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Jack Snipe is a small, stocky wader with cryptic plumage. Its upper parts are predominantly dark brown with buff and black streaks, creating excellent camouflage.
The bird has a distinctive long, straight bill and relatively short, greenish legs. It has a dark brown head, with pale lines above the eyes, punctuated by a thin dark brown 'eyebrow'.
Both sexes look similar, with no significant seasonal changes in plumage. Juveniles closely resemble adults but may have slightly fresher-looking feathers with more distinct pale fringes.
Size
Length
17cm to 19cm
Wingspan
30cm to 36cm
Weight
33g to 73g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Black
Secondary Colour
Buff White
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Green
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Jack Snipes breed in the boreal and subarctic zones of northern Europe and Asia, favouring boggy areas with low vegetation. During winter, they migrate to temperate regions, including parts of western Europe, the Mediterranean, and northern Africa.
In the UK, Jack Snipes are winter visitors, found in wetlands, marshes, and flooded fields from October to March. They are less common than the larger Common Snipe but can be found in similar habitats.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Jack Snipe. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Jack Snipe demonstrates remarkable agility with its distinctive zigzag flight pattern when flushed and its ability to navigate through dense wetland vegetation. Its 'bobbing' behaviour whilst feeding also indicates a high degree of bodily control and coordination.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small wader, the Jack Snipe isn't particularly strong compared to larger birds. However, it possesses enough strength to perform its aerial displays and migrate long distances, which requires a moderate level of muscular power.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Jack Snipes show high adaptability by thriving in various wetland habitats across their breeding and wintering ranges. Their ability to withstand extreme cold and be the last wader to leave freezing wetlands demonstrates significant environmental adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Jack Snipes are generally non-aggressive birds, preferring to rely on camouflage and remaining motionless to avoid detection. They are typically solitary or found in loose groups, suggesting a low level of intraspecific aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Jack Snipe's ability to undertake long-distance migrations, flying at speeds up to 50 mph, indicates considerable endurance. Their capacity to withstand harsh weather conditions in their northern breeding grounds and during winter also suggests a high level of stamina.
Diet
Jack Snipes feed primarily on small invertebrates found in mud and shallow water. Their diet includes insects, worms, small molluscs, and crustaceans. As well as insects and other invertebrates, plant material forms an important share of their food intake.
They use their long, sensitive bill to probe the soft ground, employing a distinctive 'sewing machine' motion to detect and capture prey.
Jack snipes are crepuscular, feeding at dusk after resting during daylight. Night-time hunting is not uncommon, and they are thought to rely on bright moonlight to aid their nocturnal foraging.
Behaviour
Jack Snipes are known for their remarkable 'bobbing' behaviour, where they rhythmically bounce up and down while feeding. They are solitary birds, typically seen alone or in small, loose groups during migration.
When flushed, they fly in a characteristic zigzag pattern, usually flying only a short distance before dropping back into cover.
Vocalisation
Jack Snipes are generally silent birds, especially outside their breeding grounds.
During the breeding season, males produce a distinctive sound during display flights, described as a repeated 'galloping' or 'ticking' noise. This sound, produced by vibrating tail feathers, is often likened to a distant horse's hooves: 'tup-tup-tup-tup'.
Nesting & Breeding
Jack Snipes breed in the far north, with the breeding season typically lasting from May to July. Males perform aerial displays to attract females, flying in wide circles and producing a distinctive drumming sound with their tail feathers.
The nest is a shallow depression on the ground, usually well-hidden in dense vegetation. Females typically lay 4 eggs, which are olive-brown with dark spots.
Incubation lasts about 24 days, primarily carried out by the female. Chicks are precocial and can leave the nest shortly after hatching, fledging after about 3 weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Jack Snipe is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to drainage of wetlands and changes in land use. Climate change may also impact its breeding and wintering grounds. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and managing suitable wetland habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Jack Snipes on muddy edges of marshes, bogs, and wet meadows
- Watch for their distinctive bobbing motion while feeding
- Be patient, as they often remain motionless when approached
- In the UK, search for them during winter months in suitable wetland habitats
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Jack Snipes are preyed upon by various raptors, including harriers, falcons, and owls. Mammals such as foxes and mustelids may also hunt them, especially during the breeding season.
Did You Know?
- Jack Snipes have exceptionally large eyes for their size, positioned high on their head, allowing for nearly 360-degree vision.
- They are known for their ability to withstand extreme cold, often being the last wader to leave freezing wetlands.
- Despite their small size, Jack Snipes can fly at speeds of up to 50 mph during migration.
FAQs
Why do Jack Snipe bob?
Bobbing is a fascinating behaviour trait seen in jack snipes, and their springy, bouncing movements are thought to disturb invertebrates living beneath the ground, causing them to rise to the surface, making them easier to catch and eat.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Lymnocryptes minimus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22693133A86640472.
View source - 2 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
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