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Pintail Snipe
last update: May 25, 2009 04:23 PM
Latin name: Gallinago stenura
Population: 50,000-2,000,000
Cites classified: Least Concern
Where found: Breeds across Siberia from the Ob River to Chukota. This territory does not include the northern Russian coast but does include the Russian coast along the Sea of Okhotsk. In the winter, this species migrates southward to Southeast Asia and Indonesia.
Wingspan: 44-48 cm
Length: 25-27 cm
Weight: 85-125 g
Mating/Breeding: These snipes have a similar display flight as the Common Snipe. These birds nest in hidden, shallow scrapes lined with local flora. It is believed that only the female incubates the eggs for a period of about three weeks, but some reports claim that the male also performs this activity. Little is known about the chicks after they hatch, but it is assumed that this species is similar in this regard to the Common Snipe.
Eggs: 4 olive or light brown eggs with red-brown blotches
Hibernation: Migrates southward from its breeding grounds in Siberia to warmer locales in Southeast Asia and Indonesia
Hunting Habits: Probes the ground for prey, but may also peck if the presence of prey is observed
Feed on: Invertebrates
Predators: Skuas
Colour/Body: The Pintail Snipe is very similar in appearance to the Common Snipe (as well as the Wilson’s Snipe), but has a darker coloring under its wings, a shorter bill, and double the number of tail feathers of the Common Snipe. These extra pairs of tail feathers are different shades of brown with white edges. Additionally, the tail of this type of snipe is shorter. The wings of this snipe lack the white edge that the Common Snipe has.
