Pin-tailed Snipe

Considered a widespread migrant and non-breeding visitor, although actual status obscured by similarity to Swinhoe’s Snipe.

Cryptically plumaged, chunky, short-tailed snipe lacking white trailing edge to wing; has 24-28 tail feathers; the outer 6-8 pairs are very narrow ‘pins’. Very short tail, tertials usually fully cloak primaries; bill usually shorter and thicker than Common Snipe. In flight, wings more rounded and flight feathers browner above than Common Snipe, and secondaries lack clearcut white trailing edge (may show thin pale edge). Overall, paler and less richly coloured than Common Snipe; dark lores narrower than supercilium at bill base; lower scapulars have less black in centres than Common and have thin cream edges to both webs. Ad: (year round) Median coverts have 2-3 alternating black and buff transverse bars (tipped buff). Juv: (Aug – Nov) Median coverts have continuous buff fringe and dark subterminal fringe, creating a scaly appearance.

For differences from Common Snipe, see that species. Extremely similar to Swinhoe’s Snipe, from which only identifiable with certainty by the number and shape of the outer tail feathers. In flight, outer ‘pin’ feathers may appear markedly shorter than central feathers, so tail may present a ‘stepped’ rear edge normally lacking in Swinhoe’s..

Shows preference for drier habitat than other snipes. Feeds by deep probing into earth. Freezes when alarmed. Fans tail during or after preening, when sunbathing in early morning and occasionally when adopting defensive or aggressive posture toward other birds. When flushed, generally flies for shorter distances than Common Snipe.

Considered more abundant than Swinhoe’s Snipe, but actual status hard to ascertain. Pin-tailed or Swinhoe’s Snipes (so-called “Swintail” Snipes) occur widely in freshwater marshland on coastal plains and inland, including pastureland, rice fields and boggy areas.

Encountered from late August to the end of April.