A stocky, cryptically plumaged, mid-sized shorebird with an extremely long bill. Adult is brown and buffy overall, extensively barred and spotted below with strongly barred flanks, and has buffy stripes on back, heavily-patterned wings, intricately striped head, short reddish-orange tail, short pale grayish legs, and long, straight, dark bill. Sexes are similar. Formerly called Common Snipe.

Length: 27 (cm) Wingspan: 46 (cm)

Habitat:

Marshes, wetlands, wet fields, pond edges, bogs.

Behavior:

Cryptic plumage, preference for dense vegetation, and slow, deliberate movements often make observation difficult, though snipe frequently uses fence posts or other exposed perches in spring and summer. Often flushes from almost underfoot. Nest is lined depression. In winter, forms small, loose flocks, rarely directly associating with other shorebirds.

Feeding:

Probes mud with long, sensitive bill; eats a variety of small aquatic organisms and occasional plant material.