Waterbird Wednesday week 10 - Common Snipe
The Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) is a resident in many parts of the UK, with a large breeding population in the northern uplands but smaller numbers elsewhere. In total there are about 80'000 breeding pairs, but in the winter thousands of birds arrive from further north and the population swells to around 1 million individuals. The Common Snipe is amber listed due to recent declines.
Identification
The Common Snipe only has one plumage (other than freshly hatched juveniles), which is useful for identification. It is often seen when flushed, but is sometimes seen well when feeding. Common Snipe are between 23 and 28cm long, including the 7cm bill. They are very well camouflaged, with a cryptic brown plumage - there are two main lightly coloured stripes on the back, as well as two weaker ones. They have a dark crown with a light stripe through the middle, as well as a thick supercilium and a dark eye-stripe. The breast and flanks are barred, but the belly is white. The breast also has an orangeish wash. The underwing has white bands.
Similar species
Jack Snipe
Overall smaller than Common Snipe, measuring 18-20cm including the 4cm bill. Also shorter billed, and flushes much less readily than Common Snipe - often waiting until you are right over it. When feeding, has a distinctive "bouncing" walk. Also only has one, very cryptic, plumage - with four obvious golden stripes on the back. The crown is dark, and lacks the crown stripe present on a Common Snipe. In flight, shows no white on the tail - tail and wings are darker than is Common Snipe. The underparts are streaked rather than barred.
Great Snipe
Slightly larger than Common Snipe, measuring 26-30cm including the 6-7cm bill. It is much thicker set than Common Snipe, and the barring on the underparts is much more extensive. there is a strong pattern to the wing coverts - each feather has a thick white tip, making large light bars on the closed wing. In flight, shows lots of white on the tail and white lines on the wing. The underwing is dark, without white lines. In breeding season, displays in leks.
