Solitary Snipe

The Solitary Snipe, Gallinago solitaria, presents as a robust, somewhat portly wader, measuring between 29 to 31 centimeters in length. It is characterized by a stocky body and relatively short legs for a bird of its kind. The plumage is adorned with medium brown stripes and whitish feather edges, creating lines down the back. A pale face contrasts with the ginger-brown breast, while the belly is white, accented with brown barring on the flanks. Its bill, long and straight, is of a brownish-black hue and fairly slender. The legs and feet exhibit a yellowish-olive to yellowish-brown coloration. Throughout the year, the plumage remains consistent, with females typically being the larger sex.

Identification Tips

To identify the Solitary Snipe, look for its distinctive heavy and slow flight, a long and slender bill, and the yellowish tinge to its legs and feet. The bird's upperparts are streaked with brown and white, and the belly is white with brown barring on the flanks. Both sexes appear similar, but the female may be discerned by her slightly larger size.

Habitat

The Solitary Snipe favors mountain bogs and river valleys, particularly above the timberline, where it breeds. These birds are often found in similar marshes and swamps at lower altitudes during non-breeding seasons or while on migration.

Distribution

This species breeds discontinuously across the mountains of eastern Asia, spanning eastern Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia. While many remain sedentary in the high mountains, others migrate to wintering grounds in northeast Iran, Pakistan, northern India, Bangladesh, eastern China, Korea, Japan, and Sakhalin.

Behaviour

The Solitary Snipe is known for its aerial display, which includes flying high in circles followed by a powerful stoop, during which it produces a "drumming" sound with its modified outer tail feathers. When foraging, it probes deeply into the mud with its long bill in search of invertebrates, seeds, and plants. Approachable by nature, it may crouch and rely on its cryptic plumage for camouflage when alarmed. If flushed, it typically returns to the marsh after a brief, slow flight.

Song & Calls

The bird emits a hoarse 'kensh' call upon taking flight and a far-carrying 'chok-a-chok-a' call during its display.

Breeding

During the breeding season, the Solitary Snipe constructs a saucer-shaped nest from dry grass in the drier parts of its wetland habitat, often concealed within a dense tuft of grass or sedges.

Similar Species

The Solitary Snipe has two subspecies, with the nominate G. s. solitaria being widespread. The other, G. s. japonica, is richer red and less white above, though its breeding range is unknown. It winters in Japan.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Solitary Snipe consists of invertebrates such as insects and worms, along with seeds and plants, which it seeks by pushing its bill into the mud.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Solitary Snipe as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.