Common Snipe

Common snipes range primarily across Europe, extending through southern Asia and into central Africa. Many populations migrate to warmer wintering areas, while birds in Ireland and the United Kingdom may remain resident. They occupy marshes, bogs, wet meadows, and muddy shallows. Adults measure 23–28 centimetres, span 39–45 centimetres, and weigh 78–130 grams. Their short legs and neck contrast with a bill about 6.4 centimetres long, nearly twice the length of the head (Animal Diversity Web).

The long bill is specialized for probing soft, wet soil, where common snipes locate earthworms, insect larvae, and other invertebrates. Much feeding occurs in muddy shallows relatively close to nesting areas. During the wetter months, earthworms and larvae dominate because the substrate remains easy to probe. Common snipes form monogamous pairs for a breeding season. Females tend to select dominant males holding high-quality central territories, while males are differentiated socially into dominant, subdominant, and subordinate individuals (Animal Diversity Web).