Snipe - Gallinago gallinago
Other Names
Description
Snipe are medium sized, skulking wading birds with short legs and very long, straight bills. Both sexes are mottled brown above, with paler buff stripes on the back. They are widespread as a breeding species in the UK, particularly on northern uplands. In winter, birds from Northern Europe join resident birds. The UK population of Snipe has declined in the past twenty-five years making it an Amber List species.
Photo ID?
Habitat
During the breeding season Snipe are best looked for on moorland, especially on early spring mornings when males can be heard giving their 'drumming' or 'bleating' display. In winter, look patiently around the edges of pools in well-vegetated wetlands.
When to see it
All year round but seen mainly in winter in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Life History
Snipe search for invertebrates in the mud with a "sewing-machine" action of their long bills.
UK Status
Widespread and fairly common in Britain
VC55 Status
A fairly common winter bird in Leicestershire and Rutland but rarely a breeding bird here.
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Chris Lythall
Rutland Water - 31 August 2007 -
Paul Riddle
Dunton Bassett - 21 October 2009 -
Lorraine Ellison
Rutland Water - 11 February 2012
Leicestershire & Rutland
UK Map
On the Leicestershire & Rutland map above, red = NatureSpot records, green = NBN records. You can add a dot to this map if you submit a wildlife sighting (with or without an image). You can also find out more about these species distribution maps on our Maps help page.
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