ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Wilson's Snipe

Wilson's Snipe

Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery

This species was known as the common snipe until 2002, when it was split from the Eurasian birds with which it was formerly considered conspecific.

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

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, and mollusks occasionally seeds and berries

• Ohio Status: Species of Special Interest

Description
This bird is somewhat similar to the woodcock, especially with its long, thin bill. It is, however, more slender and much whiter. The throat, head, and back are heavily brown-and-white striped. It also has a short orange tail.

Habitat and Habits
Snipes inhabit marshes, wet meadows, sedge meadows, ditches, and occasionally mudflats. They are very secretive, but far more common than most would suspect. When flushed, they rocket away with a rapid zigzag flight uttering a low, harsh scrape scrape.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The male's courtship display is spectacular; ascending high into the air, the bird suddenly drops rapidly earthward, and wind rushing through the tail feathers produces an ethereal winnowing sound. The nest is a grass-lined depression hidden in a grassy tussock. The four eggs are pale olive-brown with black spots.