Wilson's Snipe song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Wilson's Snipe, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

The primary 'song' is the mechanical 'winnowing' sound produced by air rushing through specialized outer tail feathers during the male's aerial display flight. This sound is a series of hollow, pulsating hoots or whistles, often described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo'.

Calls

The most common call is a harsh, raspy 'scaap' or 'ketch' note, typically given when flushed from cover. They also have a softer 'chip' call and a rapid 'tika-tika-tika' call during courtship.

When they vocalize

The 'scaap' call is given year-round when disturbed. The 'winnowing' display and other courtship calls are primarily heard during the breeding season (spring and early summer), often at dawn, dusk, and sometimes at night.

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