Bird Guide

Great Snipe vs Wilson's Snipe

Great Snipe (Gallinago media)

Great Snipe

Gallinago media

Medium170 gWetland

At 26–30 cm (10–12 in) in length and a 42–50 cm (17–20 in) wingspan, adults are only slightly larger, but much bulkier, than the common snipe and have a shorter bill. The body is mottled brown on top and barred underneath. They have a dark stripe through the eye. The wings are broad, and a pale wingbar is visible in flight. The voice is described as a faint yeah. Mating display calls of groups can be heard at long distances (more than 300 m (330 yd)) and sound like a mixture of firecracker wind-up xylophone sounds.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Great Snipe
Recorded by Robert Petersen · Song · Knivbergavägen, Norrköping Municipality, Östergötland County, Sweden · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: konstantinseliverstov · CC BY 4.0
Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata)

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

Medium113 gWetland

Adults are 23–28 cm (9.1–11.0 in) in length with a 39–45 cm (15–18 in) wingspan. Weight ranges from 2.8–5.2 oz (79–147 g). They have short greenish-grey legs and a very long straight dark bill. The body is mottled brown on top and pale underneath. They have a dark stripe through the eye, with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. Carey, Geoff and Urban Olsson (1995). Field identification of Common, Wilson's, Pintail and Swinhoe's Snipes. Birding World 8(5): 179–190. Leader, Paul (1999). Identification forum: Common Snipe and Wilson's Snipe Birding World 12(9): 371–4.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Wilson's Snipe
Recorded by Doug Hynes · Song · "the Fen", near Churchill Northern Studies Centre, Manitoba, Canada · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Hobbyfotowiki · CC0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Great Snipe and Wilson's Snipe.