Farmland Wading Birds Information Note: Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

Smaller than other farmland waders—a little larger than a thrush
Very long straight bill
Streaky brown plumage and secretive nature
Harsh ‘Shkepp’ call when it takes flight
Repetitive, mechanical ‘chippa-chippa’ song often given from a fence post
Aerial display flight produces vibrating ‘drumming’ noise from outer tail feathers

Favours very wet, rushy areas
May be found in wetland areas on enclosed farmland or wet flushes on the open hill
Tolerates denser vegetation than other farmland waders.
Spends winter at the coast

Snipe are more exclusively dependent on very wet, rushy areas than other farmland waders.
A mix of tall rushes and shorter sedges and grass, with shallow pools of water is ideal
Typically found in open wetland or moorland landscapes but can tolerate a scatter of trees more readily than other farmland waders.
They tolerate somewhat taller vegetation than lapwings and redshank, but will avoid very dense, tall rushes.

Retain or create a high water table
Create shallow pools or scrapes within wetlands and pasture to hold water from March-June
Manage grazing to create a predominantly mosaic of vegetation heights, with tussocks of grass or rush up to 10-30cm tall, but with some shorter vegetation between tussocks
Light grazing, especially with cattle, in late summer/autumn can help create this sward structure
Topping in late summer may be necessary if rushes become too dense
Restrict (<1.0LU/ha) or, preferably, exclude grazing from mid-April to the end of May

Favours very wet, rushy areas
May be found in wetland areas on enclosed farmland or wet flushes on the open hill
Tolerates denser vegetation than other farmland waders.
Spends winter at the coast