Wilson's Snipe
NameWilson's Snipe
Common NameWilson's Snipe
Scientific NameGallinago delicata
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)42
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)110
Plumage DetailsMottled brown, black, and buff plumage provides excellent camouflage. It features distinct buffy stripes on the back and a striped head pattern with dark and light bands. The belly is white, and the flanks are barred.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its 'winnowing' sound, a series of hollow, vibrating notes produced by air rushing through its outer tail feathers during aerial display flights. When flushed, it typically gives a sharp, raspy 'scap' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across northern North America, including Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States. Winters in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
Identifying Featuresvery long, straight bill, cryptic brown and black streaked plumage, buffy stripes on back, striped head pattern, zig-zag flight when flushed, winnowing sound during display flight
Description
The Wilson's Snipe is a medium-sized, cryptically patterned shorebird known for its extremely long, straight bill. It is often found probing in mud and wet soil for invertebrates, and has a distinctive zig-zag flight pattern when flushed.
