Wilson's Snipe

The Wilson's snipe (Gallinago delicata) is a small, stocky wader, a member of the shorebird family Scolopacidae. It is characterized by its mottled brown plumage on top, pale underparts, and a distinctive long, straight, dark bill. Adults measure between 23–28 cm in length, with a wingspan of 39–45 cm, and weigh from 79–147 g. Their legs are short and greenish-grey, and they possess pointed wings, which aid in their agile flight.

Identification Tips

To identify Wilson's snipe, look for the dark stripe through the eye, flanked by lighter stripes above and below. The species is differentiated from the common snipe by a narrower white trailing edge on the wings and a unique tail feather count—Wilson's snipe has eight pairs of tail feathers, as opposed to the seven typical of the common snipe.

Habitat

Wilson's snipe favors marshes, bogs, tundra, and wet meadows for breeding. It is also a year-round resident along the U.S. Pacific coast.

Distribution

This bird breeds across Canada and the northern United States, extending to the Chukchi Peninsula in Russia. The eastern population migrates to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and northern South America.

Behaviour

Wilson's snipe is known for its elusive nature, often hiding close to ground vegetation and flushing only when approached closely. It exhibits a zig-zag flight pattern to evade predators. During courtship, males perform a "winnowing" display, consisting of high, circling flights followed by shallow dives, producing a distinctive sound reminiscent of the boreal owl's call.

Song & Calls

The "winnowing" sound made during the male's courtship display is a key auditory identifier for the species.

Breeding

Nesting occurs in well-hidden ground locations. The species' breeding behavior is influenced by climate change, with birds arriving at breeding grounds earlier and departing later than in the past.

Similar Species

The common snipe is similar in appearance but can be distinguished by its wing pattern and tail feather count.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of insects, earthworms, and plant material. Wilson's snipe forages in soft mud, using both sight and probing to locate food.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists Wilson's snipe as Least Concern, though it acknowledges that local populations can be affected by large-scale wetland draining. The species experienced declines in the late 19th century due to hunting and habitat destruction but remains fairly common today.