Common Snipe

Although widespread, the Common Snipe is secretive and solitary in its habits and is
rarely seen in the open. It frequents damp, marshy places around the city where its
heavily streaked plumage provides good camouflage. Quite often, you will not even
know of a Common Snipe's presence until you hear its sharp skipe call, as it takes to
the air, zig-zagging away at high speed in an evasive manoeuver designed to confuse
predators. Early in the spring, the male performs a breeding display, termed "win-
nowing," where he glides steeply down through the air from a considerable height
while fanning his tail, producing a strange who-who-who sound.
The Common Snipe feeds on small animals in the mud, probing for them with its
long, sensitive bill. It nests near damp, marshy places, among tufts of vegetation. If it
believes its nest is threatened, it crouches low down, raising and spreading its tail to
show off its plumage in a distractive display.

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