Pin-tailed Snipe
NamePin-tailed Snipe
Common NamePin-tailed Snipe
Scientific NameGallinago stenura
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)41
Length (cm)26
Weight (g)130
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are mottled dark brown, black, and buff, creating a streaked and barred pattern for camouflage. The head has dark crown stripes and a pale supercilium, while the underparts are whitish with brown streaking on the flanks.
Vocalization / CallIts call is typically a harsh, rasping "tschuk" or "kek" when flushed. During display flights, males produce a distinctive "drumming" sound with their tail feathers.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across northern Asia, from central Russia east to Siberia. It migrates south for the non-breeding season, wintering in southern Asia, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia.
Identifying Featuresvery long straight bill, cryptic brown and buff streaked plumage, striped head pattern, short legs, pin-like outer tail feathers
Description
The Pin-tailed Snipe is a medium-sized, cryptically patterned wader with a very long, straight bill. It is typically found probing in muddy substrates for invertebrates, often in dense vegetation.
