How to identify the Wilson's Snipe

To correctly identify the Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

23-28 cm (9-11 in)

Wingspan

39-45 cm (15-18 in)

Weight

70-150 g (2.5-5.3 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Overall mottled brown, black, and buff plumage providing excellent camouflage. The back is streaked with black and buff, with two prominent buffy stripes running down the back. The underparts are whitish, with barred flanks. The head has a distinctive pattern of dark and light stripes: a dark crown with a buffy central stripe, a dark eye-stripe, and buffy supercilium and malar stripes. The tail is short, wedge-shaped, and typically shows rufous-orange outer tail feathers, especially visible in flight.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Extremely long (5-7 cm), straight, and slender, dark-tipped bill with a fleshy, sensitive tip for probing. The base of the bill is often paler, greenish-gray.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Short, greenish-gray to yellowish-green legs and feet.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Very long bill, cryptic brown streaky plumage, two prominent buffy stripes on the back, barred flanks, and rufous outer tail feathers (visible in flight). Its erratic, zig-zag flight when flushed is also a key characteristic.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but may have slightly duller plumage, less distinct streaking, and often show more buffy fringes to their feathers, giving them a somewhat scaly appearance on the back.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Breeding and non-breeding plumages are essentially identical.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are outwardly similar in plumage and size. Males may have slightly longer bills on average, but this is not a reliable field mark.

Key field marks

• Bill Length. Look for an exceptionally long, straight, and slender bill, often 2-3 times the length of its head.
• Plumage Pattern. Observe the intricate cryptic brown, black, and buff streaking and barring. Note the two distinct buffy stripes running down the back and the barred flanks. The head pattern with dark and light stripes is also characteristic.
• Flight Pattern. When flushed, it takes off with an explosive, erratic, zig-zag flight, often accompanied by a harsh 'scaap' call. In display flight, listen for the unique 'winnowing' sound.
• Tail in Flight. If seen well in flight, look for the rufous-orange outer tail feathers, which contrast with the darker central tail feathers.
• Habitat. Always found in wet, muddy environments with dense vegetation. If you're in such a habitat and flush a bird with the described characteristics, it's likely a Wilson's Snipe.

Explore the Wilson's Snipe