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Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

Wilson's Snipe is a special bird known for its long beak and beautiful stripes. It loves to hide in wet places and can be hard to spot because of its clever camouflage.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Wilson's Snipe has a chunky body with mottled brown, black, and buff plumage, giving it excellent camouflage. Its head features distinct dark and light stripes, and it possesses a remarkably long, straight, needle-like bill, distinguishing it from most similar-sized wetland birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusGallinago
Wilson's Snipe
feathered trait badgestriped trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badge
Wilson's Snipe

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

1

Interesting facts

A group of these birds is called a "wisp"—imagine a wispy cloud of birds!

The tip of their long bill is flexible and can open underground to snatch hidden snacks!

Their eyes are set far back on their head, giving them almost 360-degree vision!

They can "freeze" perfectly still in wetlands, blending in totally with reeds and grass!

Special abilities

Ability

Sound Spinner

Wilson's Snipe makes a unique 'winnowing' sound with vibrating tail feathers during diving display flights to attract mates.

Ability

Mud Magnet

Wilson's Snipe has a super sensitive, flexible bill tip that helps them find and grab hidden worms deep in the mud.

Measurements & details

Length
23-28 cm
Wingspan
39-45 cm
Weight
0.075-0.15 kg
Lifespan
2-8 years
Top Speed
65 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
18-20 days
Migration Distance
7000 km

Diet & Feeding

They slurp up worms and insects from the mud using their super long, sensitive beaks!

Primary Foods

  • earthworms
  • insect larvae
  • crustaceans
  • snails
  • small seeds

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

A common raptor that preys on various ground-dwelling birds.

eaten by

American Mink

Neovison vison

A wetland predator that hunts birds and their eggs near water.

eats

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

A primary food source found by probing wetland soil.

eats

Common Midge

Chironomus plumosus

Small insect larvae collected from the muddy bottom of shallow water.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Wilson's Snipe?

The easiest way to identify Wilson's Snipe is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Wilson's Snipe?

23-28 cm

What is Wilson's Snipe's wingspan?

39-45 cm

How much does Wilson's Snipe weigh?

0.075-0.15 kg

How long does Wilson's Snipe live?

2-8 years

How fast can Wilson's Snipe move?

65 km/h

What does Wilson's Snipe eat?

They slurp up worms and insects from the mud using their super long, sensitive beaks!

Where is Wilson's Snipe usually found?

Wetlands

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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