African Snipe

The African snipe, Gallinago nigripennis, also known as the Ethiopian snipe, is a small, stocky wader with a distinctive appearance. It measures 30–32 cm (12–13 in) in length and is characterized by its bold dark brown stripes and gold-edged feathers that create lines down its back. The underparts are predominantly white, with brown barring on the flanks, but the belly remains unmarked. Its bill is a notable feature—long, straight, and pinkish-brown, complementing its yellowish-olive to greenish-grey legs and feet.

Identification Tips

In the field, the African snipe can be distinguished by its slower, more fluttering flight on rounded wings, and it tends to zigzag less when flushed compared to other snipes. The white trailing edges on the wings and white tail corners are visible in flight. The sexes appear similar, while immatures show pale fringes on the wing coverts.

Habitat

This species breeds in wet mountain moorland and swamps at altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 4,000 meters (5,600 to 13,100 feet).

Distribution

The African snipe is native to eastern and southern Africa. It breeds in specific regions and disperses widely, including coastal lowlands, when not breeding.

Behaviour

The African snipe is known for its spectacular aerial display, which includes flying high in circles and performing a powerful stoop, during which it produces a drumming sound with its modified outer tail feathers. On the ground, it forages by probing the mud with its long bill in search of insects and worms. When alarmed, it may freeze to blend in with the marsh vegetation, thanks to its cryptic plumage.

Song & Calls

This bird emits a 'hleep' call upon taking off and a far-carrying 'kip' call during the breeding season.

Breeding

Breeding is timed with the rains in tropical regions, but in South Africa, it mainly occurs from April to October. The African snipe constructs a saucer-shaped nest of dry grass, hidden within dense tufts of grass or rushes in the drier parts of its breeding marshes.

Similar Species

The African snipe could be confused with the common, pin-tailed, and great snipe. The great snipe is larger, darker, and has a relatively shorter bill. The pin-tailed snipe lacks the white trailing edges on the wings and has minimal white on its tail corners. The common snipe is very similar but can be differentiated by the African snipe's darker upperparts and longer bill.

Diet and Feeding

Its diet consists of insects and worms, which it seeks by pushing its bill deep into the mud.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the African snipe as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of extinction in the wild.