Common Snipe
Least ConcernGallinago gallinago
Visual Identification
Common Snipe
Appearance
The Common Snipe is a small wader with cryptic plumage. Its body is mottled brown and black, with buff stripes on the back and crown. The long, straight bill is dark brown, measuring about 6-7 cm in length. They are stocky birds with large yellowish legs and unwebbed feet.
Both sexes look similar, although males have longer tail feathers and shorter bills. There are no significant seasonal changes. Juveniles resemble adults but may have slightly more buff-tipped feathers on the wings.
Size
Length
25cm to 27cm
Wingspan
44cm to 47cm
Weight
80g to 140g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Black
Secondary Colour
White Buff
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Olive
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Common Snipes inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, including bogs, marshes, wet meadows, and the edges of ponds and streams. They are widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Central and East Africa.
In the UK, they are year-round residents in suitable habitats, with numbers boosted by winter visitors from northern Europe. They occur in suitable habitats throughout the British Isles, with the exception of high-lying parts of Scotland.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic, Boreal
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Diet
Common Snipes primarily feed on invertebrates found in soft mud, including worms, insects, and small molluscs. They use their long, sensitive bills to probe the ground, often feeding by touch rather than sight.
Occasionally, they may consume small amounts of plant material, berries and seeds.
Behaviour
Common Snipes are secretive birds, often remaining motionless to avoid detection. They probe soft mud with their long bills, using sensitive tips to locate prey.
During the breeding season, males perform spectacular aerial displays known as 'drumming', producing a distinctive sound with their outer tail feathers.
Vocalisation
The Common Snipe's most distinctive sound is the 'drumming' produced during breeding displays. This winnowing noise, created by air rushing through the outer tail feathers, sounds like 'hu-hu-hu-hu-hu'. It's similar in a way to a bleating goat.
When flushed, they often emit a sharp, raspy 'scaap' call.
Nesting & Breeding
Common Snipes breed from April to August, with males performing aerial displays to attract mates. Females typically select the nesting site and build the nest.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often hidden in dense vegetation near water. The female lays 3-4 olive-green eggs with dark spots.
Incubation lasts about 18-20 days, primarily by the female. Chicks are precocial and can leave the nest within hours of hatching, fledging after about 19-20 days.
Lifespan
The Common Snipe typically lives for 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 18.2 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
While listed as Least Concern globally, Common Snipes face localised threats from habitat loss and degradation. Wetland conservation efforts benefit this species. In some regions, sustainable hunting practices are implemented to manage populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Common Snipes in wet meadows, bogs, and marshy areas
- Listen for the distinctive 'drumming' sound during breeding season
- Observe early morning or late evening when they're most active
- Use binoculars to spot their cryptic plumage against vegetation
- In the UK, visit nature reserves with wetland habitats for better chances of sighting
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Fantail Snipe
Family:
ScolopacidaePredators
Common Snipes are preyed upon by various raptors, including peregrine falcons and hen harriers. Ground predators such as foxes and weasels may also target nests and young.
Did You Know?
- The Common Snipe's eyes are set far back on its head, allowing it to see potential predators while probing for food.
- Their long bill is flexible at the tip, enabling them to open it underground to grasp prey.
- The term 'sniper' originates from the difficulty of shooting this fast-flying, erratic bird.
- They can swim well, although this behaviour is rarely seen. Unlike most waders, Snipes can perch on relatively small branches, although they are more comfortable on the ground, on rocks, or on posts.
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!
Latest Community Reviews
No reviews yet
Sign in to be the first to review
FAQs
Do people eat Common Snipe?
Snipes are popular gamebirds, prized by hunters and sold by some butchers. Interestingly, these small birds are traditionally cooked without removing most of their innards.
Is a Snipe a real bird?
To many, the Snipe is a bird of fiction, conjured up to fool hopeful young hunters into sitting out alone as a practical joke or right of passage.
For this prank, the victim is instructed to sit out in the marsh at night while attempting to lure in or capture a bird whose description varies according to those who describe it!
Of course, the Snipe is a real bird, although its shy nature makes it challenging to see and even more difficult to capture.
Can you hunt Snipe?
Snipe hunting is popular with wing shooters in many parts of the world. These small birds are flushed from their wetland habitats, and their zig-zagging flight path makes them a challenging but rather unsubstantial target. Open seasons and bag limits vary by country and state.
Similar Birds
References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Gallinago gallinago (amended version of 2017 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22693097A155504420.
View source - 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International; EBCC
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source