Perfectly camouflaged and notoriously elusive, this tiny bobbing wader prefers to freeze rather than flee when threatened.

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

© 2025 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Get Bird Updates in Your Inbox

Stay informed about Jack Snipe and other fascinating birds, with expert bird watching tips, as well as relevant seasonal information.

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 40
Adaptability 80
Aggressiveness 20
Endurance 75

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 3 - 5 years
0
2
4
5
7

years

The Jack Snipe typically lives for 3 to 5 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

1,000,000 individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Stable[3]

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

Other names:

Jacksnipe

Family:

Scolopacidae

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?

  1. Jack Snipes have exceptionally large eyes for their size, positioned high on their head, allowing for nearly 360-degree vision.
  2. They are known for their ability to withstand extreme cold, often being the last wader to leave freezing wetlands.
  3. Despite their small size, Jack Snipes can fly at speeds of up to 50 mph during migration.

Was this bird profile helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve our content

Community Experience

Community Ratings

No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!

Ease of Spotting
0.0/5
Visual Appeal
0.0/5
Song Recognition
0.0/5

Latest Community Reviews

No reviews yet

Sign in to be the first to review

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.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Lymnocryptes minimus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22693133A86640472.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 2015: Wetlands International