Snipe are medium sized, skulking wading birds with short legs and long straight bills. Both sexes are mottled brown above, with paler buff stripes on the back, dark streaks on the chest and pale under parts. They are widespread as a breeding species in the UK, with particularly high densities on northern uplands but lower numbers in southern lowlands (especially south west England). In winter, birds from northern Europe join resident birds. The UK population of snipe has undergone moderate declines overall in the past twenty-five years, with particularly steep declines in lowland wet grassland, making it an Amber List species.
Key ID Features
Dark brown back with long, broad cream stripes.
White belly with barred flanks and streaked breast.
Boldly striped head with cream supercilium and central line, which helps to separates it from the smaller, shorter billed, Jack Snipe.
Extremely long bill, angled downward.
Rufous centred tail more visible in flight.
When disturbed flies off in 'panicky' zig-zag style.
Very dependent on wet, muddy marshland.
Overview
Scientific name: Gallinago gallinago
Family: Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)
Where to see them:
During the breeding season snipe are best look for on moorland, especially on early spring mornings when males can be heard giving their 'drumming' or 'bleating' display. In winter, look patiently around the edges of pools in well-vegetated wetlands.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Small invertebrates, including worms and insect larvae.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
