Common Snipe

Gallinago gallinago

(G. g. gallinago)

Armenian Name:	Մորակտցար

See Plate 29 for Common Snipe and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Common
Length:	25-27 cm, Wing Span:44-47 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 135.
Description:	Long-billed snipe. Dark crown divided by pale yellow-brown line. Pale face with dark eyestripe and bar on cheek. Brown above with an intricate pattern of pale and dark bars. Chin and throat off-white; foreneck and breast pale, streaked black-brown. Flanks barred; belly white. Extensively reddish tail.
Similar Species:	Differs from Jack Snipe by larger size, longer bill, and barred flanks; from Great Snipe by smaller size, extensive white on belly, and in flight, narrower wings and extensively reddish tail.
Behavior:	Often secretive. Occurs in large flocks. When flushed, emits a scratchy call and flies in low zigzag pattern for short distance.
Habitat:	Muddy or silty shores of ponds, lakes, and canals; marshes. Prefers areas with shallow water and emergent vegetation.
Food:	Aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.
Nest:	Shallow ground scrape lined with grass.
Eggs:	39 mm, 4, pale green, brown blotches.