Wilson’s Snipe
Gallinago delicata
Male and female Wilson's snipes look nearly identical, with no visible differences in plumage. Both are small, stocky shorebirds with a mottled brown and black pattern on their backs and sides, and pale, striped patterns on their heads and backs. They also share a long, straight bill, short neck and legs, and a short tail. The only way to distinguish between the sexes is through their behavior during breeding season, with males performing a distinctive "winnowing" display while diving.
Detailed Description:
• Plumage: Both male and female Wilson's snipes have a cryptic (camouflaged) plumage with mottled brown and black coloration on their upperparts. They also feature light tan stripes on their heads and backs, and their flanks are heavily barred. Their underparts are pale.
• Bill, Legs, and Tail: They have a very long, straight, dark bill, short greenish-grey legs, and a short tail.
• Size and Shape: Wilson's snipes are medium-sized shorebirds, with a stout build, short neck, and short legs.
• Sexual Differences: The primary way to distinguish between males and females is through their behavior during breeding season. Males perform a unique "winnowing" display, which involves diving from the air and vibrating their outer tail feathers to create a whinnying sound. Females also participate in the winnowing display, but they primarily focus on nest building, incubation, and raising the young.
Detailed Description:
• Plumage: Both male and female Wilson's snipes have a cryptic (camouflaged) plumage with mottled brown and black coloration on their upperparts. They also feature light tan stripes on their heads and backs, and their flanks are heavily barred. Their underparts are pale.
• Bill, Legs, and Tail: They have a very long, straight, dark bill, short greenish-grey legs, and a short tail.
• Size and Shape: Wilson's snipes are medium-sized shorebirds, with a stout build, short neck, and short legs.
• Sexual Differences: The primary way to distinguish between males and females is through their behavior during breeding season. Males perform a unique "winnowing" display, which involves diving from the air and vibrating their outer tail feathers to create a whinnying sound. Females also participate in the winnowing display, but they primarily focus on nest building, incubation, and raising the young.