common snipe
Gallinago gallinago
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_snipe
Overview
The common snipe is a small, stocky wader native to the Old World, where it breeds in marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows. It is usually shy and well-camouflaged, foraging in soft mud mainly for insects and earthworms but also some plant material. During courtship, males perform a "winnowing" display; flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce a "drumming" sound by vibrating the tail feathers.
The Common Snipe faces significant population declines across much of its range due to widespread wetland habitat loss and degradation from agricultural intensification, urban development, and drainage of marshlands. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and wetland hydrology, while hunting pressure in some regions continues to impact local populations.
Habitat
Inhabits freshwater wetlands including marshes, bogs, wet meadows, muddy shores of lakes and rivers, and seasonally flooded grasslands with soft substrate suitable for probing. Requires areas with dense vegetation cover for nesting and open muddy areas for feeding on invertebrates.
Other threatened species in Scolopacidae
Frequently asked questions
Why is common snipe classified as Vulnerable?
Where does common snipe live?
What are the main threats to common snipe?
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