Wilson's Snipe
Learn to identify the Wilson's Snipe by ear. Master the "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo…" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Wilson's Snipe sounds like
Stocky, cryptically-plumaged shorebird of marshes and wet meadows. The species uses its extremely long bill to probe soft mud for invertebrates, relying on excellent camouflage to remain unseen until flushed, when it bursts from cover in a rapid, zig-zagging flight while uttering a rasping call. During courtship males perform dramatic high-altitude dives that create an eerie, tremulous "winnowing" sound with their tail feathers.
“hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo…”
How to tell it apart
Lessons featuring the Wilson's Snipe
Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Wilson's Snipe's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.
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Where you'll hear it
Freshwater and brackish marshes, bogs, fens, wet meadows, willow and alder swales, damp pastures, rice fields, pond margins and ditches.
Strongly migratory. Southbound movement begins as early as late July; most depart breeding grounds by October. Northbound migrants arrive February–April. Courtship winnowing peaks April–June.
Similar species
Eurasian/Common Snipe
Two instead of three tail feather pairs modified for winnowing (sound lower-pitched).
Short-billed Dowitcher
Longer body and neck; taller stance.
American Woodcock
Much rounder, plump body and very short neck.