The Wilson's snipe (Gallinago delicata) is a small, stocky wader, a member of the shorebird family Scolopacidae. It is characterized by its mottled brown plumage on top, pale underparts, and a distinctive long, straight, dark bill. Adults measure between 23–28 cm in length, with a wingspan of 39–45 cm, and weigh from 79–147 g. Their legs are short and greenish-grey, and they possess pointed wings, which aid in their agile flight.
To identify Wilson's snipe, look for the dark stripe through the eye, flanked by lighter stripes above and below. The species is differentiated from the common snipe by a narrower white trailing edge on the wings and a unique tail feather count—Wilson's snipe has eight pairs of tail feathers, as opposed to the seven typical of the common snipe.
Wilson's snipe favors marshes, bogs, tundra, and wet meadows for breeding. It is also a year-round resident along the U.S. Pacific coast.
This bird breeds across Canada and the northern United States, extending to the Chukchi Peninsula in Russia. The eastern population migrates to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
Wilson's snipe is known for its elusive nature, often hiding close to ground vegetation and flushing only when approached closely. It exhibits a zig-zag flight pattern to evade predators. During courtship, males perform a "winnowing" display, consisting of high, circling flights followed by shallow dives, producing a distinctive sound reminiscent of the boreal owl's call.
Nesting occurs in well-hidden ground locations. The species' breeding behavior is influenced by climate change, with birds arriving at breeding grounds earlier and departing later than in the past.
