ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Common Snipe

 Common Snipe

Common Snipe
The common snipe is a migratory bird that usually spends the winter in South America. It has an interesting courting ritual in which the male makes a rapid descent in the air, while slowly beating its wings and spreading its tail feathers. This produces a distinct "drumming" or whistle sound that attracts females.

Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinago

At-a-Glance

• Peak Breeding Activity: April-August

• Incubation: 18-20 days

• Clutch Size: 4 eggs

• Young Fledge: 19-20 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: mostly worms, also insects, crustaceans, mollusks and occasionally seeds and berries
Description
This bird is somewhat similar to the woodcock, especially with its long, thin bill. It is, however, more slender and much whiter in color. The throat, head and back are heavily brown-and-white striped. It also has a short orange tail.

Habitat and Habits
The snipe inhabits open swamps, marshes, ponds, and bogs. It can usually be found in thick shoreline vegetation. When flushed it flies very rapidly and erratically for a short distance and drops back into the vegetation. The call note is a rasping "kzrrt."

Reproduction and Care of the Young
On its northern nesting grounds, the male performs a spectacular territorial display flight in which the tail feathers produce a strange but pleasant winnowing whistle. The nest is a grass-lined depression hidden in a grassy tussock. The four eggs are pale olive-brown with black spots.