Common Snipe

Gallinago gallinago

Beak

—

Feet

—

Crest

No crest

Breeds in NW Himalayas; widespread winter visitor. Compared with Pin-tailed, wings more pointed, faster and more erratic flight. in flight, shows prominent white trailing edge to wing, white banding on underwing-coverts, and more extensive white belly patch. At rest, shows noticeable projection of tail beyond wings. poorly defined median-covert panel. buff supercilium contrasts with white cheek-stripe, and broad buff edges to outer webs of lower scapulars contrast with narrower. browner inner webs. VDIOI If flushed, gives an anxious. rising, grating scaaap. N When flushed rises steeply with rapid zigzagging, circles high up and lands some distance away. Male has a drumming display in the breeding season. Marshes and paddy stubbles.