Pin-tailed Snipe — Australian Bird Identification Guide

Bird guidePin-tailed Snipe

Sexes are similar, and immatures differ only in minor plumage details.

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⚠️Not listed

🍃Indigenous: Pin-Tailed Snipe

At a glance

FamilySandpipers and Allies

SizeMedium

RarityRare

Habitatsparse woodland, waterbodies, open woodland, herbaceous graminoids sparse hummock grasses, and closed forest

Best timeMost reliable in Western Australia from April.

Sounds

Sound sample

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Recorded by Bo Shunqi 薄顺奇

Range map

Occurrence window

4visible hotspots

4visible records

1states

Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Extremely similar in appearance to other snipe, particularly Swinhoe's Snipe; careful study and photography usually required to confirm identification. Namesake diagnostic thin gray outer tail feathers are only visible when tail is spread. Lacks Common Snipe's eye-catching white trailing edge of the wing. Averages less buffy than both Common and Swinhoe's, with slightly bolder white edgings to the wing feathers; darker and more richly colored than Latham's Snipe. In flight, toes project further beyond tail than in other Asian snipe.

Behavior

When flushed, gives a rasping call that is not as loud as Common Snipe’s call; also flies less erratically than that species.

Gallery

Regional timing

Western Australia

Peak: April4 records

Commonly confused with

Swinhoe's SnipeGallinago megalaOuter tail feathers broader than in Pin-tailed Snipe, but difficult to see and photograph, as tail is not often spread. Much darker and more richly colored than pale Latham's Snipe.→Marsh SandpiperTringa stagnatilisIn flight appears dark above with broad white stripe up middle of back; long legs project well past tail tip. Usually found singly or mixed in with other waders in varied fresh to brackish wetland habitats, usually with open water.→Ruddy TurnstoneArenaria interpresNonbreeding and juvenile are duller brown but still boldly patterned; note orange legs. Interesting behavior of flipping over rocks, shells, and other debris to nab invertebrates. Fairly common, with extensive global range. Breeds in the high Arctic tundra; winters on coastlines nearly worldwide. Prefers rocky habitats, but also seen on beaches and mudflats. Listen for low, hard rattle call.→