Wood Snipe
NameWood Snipe
Common NameWood Snipe
Scientific NameGallinago nemoricola
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)175
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark brown to black, heavily streaked and mottled with buff and pale brown, providing excellent camouflage. The head shows a dark eye-stripe contrasting with a pale supercilium and crown stripes. Underparts are paler, often whitish with dark barring on the flanks, and the bill is long, straight, and dark with a paler base.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a harsh, grating 'churr' or 'chak' call, often given during its display flight. It can also produce a series of low, guttural notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in the Himalayas and Southeast Asia, ranging from northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan, through parts of China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It inhabits montane forests and associated wet grasslands or marshes.
Identifying FeaturesLong, straight bill, Cryptic brown and black streaky plumage, Dark eye-stripe with pale supercilium, Stocky body shape, Often found in dense, wet forest undergrowth
Description
The Wood Snipe is a medium-sized, stocky wader characterized by its cryptic brown and black streaky plumage, long bill, and relatively short legs. It is a shy bird, typically found foraging in dense, wet habitats within montane forests, where its camouflage provides excellent concealment.
