Taxonomy
Gallinago gallinago | Common Snipe | Naoscach
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high conservation value as a result.
Severe declines have been recorded in Snipe breeding and wintering populations in Ireland, resulting in its move to the Red-List in the most recent BoCCI assessment (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021).
According to the last IUCN Red
List assessment in 2016, the Snipe is a species of ‘Least Concern’ on a global
scale. However, a decreasing global population trend was noted.
Species Biology
Identification
The Snipe is a medium-sized wader
with speckled brown upperparts and white underparts.
It has a long, straight bill and
short legs compared to other waders.
The Snipe is quite elusive and
often remains undetected unless startled and flushed from its hiding spot.
The Snipe stands at 23-28 cm in
length with a wingspan of 39-46 cm and a weight range of 80-120 grams.
Diet
The Snipe is an omnivorous
species that feeds on plant material such as seeds as well as invertebrates
such as worms and insect larvae.
Habitat
This ground nesting species finds
suitable breeding habitat where there is grassy tussocks within or adjacent to
boggy areas. Bogs and wet grassland can be suitable habitat for this species.
Suitable wintering habitat
includes wetland habitats, wet grassland and lowland lake shores.
Reproduction
Between late-March and late-June,
the female Snipe lays a clutch of four eggs, each weighing approximately 16.5
grams, and incubates them for a period of 18-20 days.
The young will fledge after 19-20
days.
A typical wild snipe has a life
expectancy of around three years with breeding occurring at two years.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
The decreasing resident
population is bolstered in the summer by visitors from Western Europe and
western Africa. Additionally, winter visitors from Scotland, Iceland and the
Faeroes can be found.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/snipe/
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/snipe/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob5190.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22693097/155504420
References
Publications
Gilbert, G., Stanbury, A. and Lewis, L., 2021. Birds of Conservation
Concern in Ireland 4: 2020-2026. [online] Wicklow. Available at:
<https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds-of-conservation-concern-in-ireland/>
[Accessed 2 Jun. 2021].