Great Snipe

The Great Snipe, Gallinago media, is a small yet stocky wader, part of the Scolopacidae family. It is slightly larger and considerably bulkier than its relative, the Common Snipe, with adults measuring 26–30 cm in length and boasting a wingspan of 42–50 cm. The species exhibits a mottled brown upper body and barred underparts, with a distinctive dark stripe through the eye. Its wings are broad, and a pale wingbar is visible during flight.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Great Snipe, look for its robust body and shorter bill compared to the Common Snipe. The dark eye stripe and pale wingbar in flight are key features. The bird's mottled and barred plumage provides excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.

Habitat

The Great Snipe favors marshes and wet meadows with short vegetation for its breeding grounds. These habitats are typically found in north-eastern Europe, including the north-western regions of Russia.

Distribution

This species is migratory, breeding in the aforementioned regions of Europe and wintering in Africa. The European breeding population is currently facing a steep decline.

Behaviour

Noted for their remarkable non-stop flying capabilities, Great Snipes can reach speeds of up to 97 km/h. They are capable of flying for extended periods, up to 84 hours, covering vast distances without stopping for food, relying instead on fat reserves. During the breeding season, males perform a lekking display at dusk, which includes erect postures, puffed chests, fanned tails, and a variety of vocalizations.

Song & Calls

The Great Snipe's call is a faint "yeah," while the mating display calls of groups can be heard over long distances, resembling a mix of firecracker and wind-up xylophone sounds.

Breeding

In the breeding season, males gather in leks to display for females. The female lays three to four eggs in a well-hidden ground nest.

Diet and Feeding

Great Snipes forage in soft mud, using their bills to probe for food or picking up prey by sight. Their diet mainly consists of insects and earthworms, with occasional plant material.

Conservation Status

The Great Snipe is classified as "Near Threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The population estimates range from 15,000 to 40,000 in Scandinavia and 450,000 to 1,000,000 in western Siberia and northeastern Europe. The decline is primarily due to habitat loss and hunting in both Europe and Africa. The species is also covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).