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Common Snipe

Gallinago gallinago

The Common Snipe is a wading bird known for its long bill and beautiful, striped feathers. They love to hide in tall grass and wetlands, making them tricky to spot!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Common Snipe has a stocky body with intricate brown, black, and buff streaky plumage, making it exceptionally camouflaged against wetland vegetation. It features a strikingly long, straight bill and distinctive dark stripes running through its eyes, contrasting with pale stripes above and below.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusGallinago
Common Snipe
feathered trait badgestriped trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badge
Common Snipe

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A male snipe makes a 'drumming' sound with its outer tail feathers during a spectacular courtship dive.

Despite being ground-nesting birds, newly hatched snipe chicks can walk and feed themselves almost immediately!

The Common Snipe’s long bill is super sensitive, acting like tweezers to grab hidden food without opening its entire mouth!

Their eyes are placed far back on their heads, giving them nearly 360-degree vision!

Special abilities

Ability

Zig-Zag Escape

Common Snipe can fly in unpredictable zig-zag patterns because this helps them dodge predators in mid-air.

Ability

Sensitive Snout

Common Snipe has a flexible bill tip that helps them feel for worms and insects hidden deep in the mud.

Ability

Stealthy Blend

Common Snipe can blend perfectly into reedy marshes because its patterned feathers mimic the surrounding plant life.

Ability

Sky Drummer

Common Snipe creates a unique 'drumming' sound with its tail feathers while diving during courtship flights.

Measurements & details

Length
23-28 cm
Wingspan
39-45 cm
Weight
0.08-0.14 kg
Lifespan
2-5 years
Top Speed
80 km/h
Clutch Size
3-4
Incubation
18-21 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

They slurp up squishy worms and tasty insects hidden in the mud with their super long bills!

Primary Foods

  • Earthworms
  • Insect larvae
  • Beetles
  • Spiders
  • Snails
  • Crayfish

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

a favorite food found in mud.

eats

European Crane Fly

Tipula oleracea

eats the larvae of this insect.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

preys on eggs, chicks, and adults.

eaten by

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

a fast aerial predator.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a bird, watch quietly and don't get too close, so you don't scare it away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Common Snipe?

23-28 cm

What is Common Snipe's wingspan?

39-45 cm

How much does Common Snipe weigh?

0.08-0.14 kg

How long does Common Snipe live?

2-5 years

How fast can Common Snipe move?

80 km/h

What does Common Snipe eat?

They slurp up squishy worms and tasty insects hidden in the mud with their super long bills!

Where is Common Snipe usually found?

Wetlands

How does Common Snipe hunt?

Foraging

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