Wilson's Snipe

28 cm (11") Common and widespread. Marshes, bogs, wet meadows, riverbanks.

Short legs; plump body; extremely long straight bill; dark brown and black head, back and sides; white belly; head and back distinctively striped.

Solitary and secretive.

Explosive takeoff when flushed with zigzagging flight; shows a short orange tail.

Song: sharp rasping "scaip"; eerie "huhuhuhuhu" given by tail feathers in aerial courtship displays.

Videos

Images

Credit: Larry Bond

Distribution Maps

Wilson's Snipe winter distribution map

Wilson's Snipe distribution map