Common Snipe

A medium-sized, highly camouflaged wader. It has an incredibly long, straight bill and short legs. The Snipe lives in wet meadows, marshes, and bogs. Its plumage mimics dead grass and reeds perfectly. It is a secretive bird that remains hidden in thick vegetation. It is a resident in much of Europe, though northern populations migrate south.

When a predator is nearby, the Snipe flies in a rapid, zigzag pattern. It gives a rasping 'scaap' call. In the breeding season, the male performs an aerial display called 'drumming'. He dives through the air to produce a rhythmic sound with his tail feathers. This sound resembles a distant goat.