Common or Jack Snipe ID, Notts, UK (1 Viewer)

Ben M

Well-known member

• Mar 10, 2009

• #1

Whilst reviewing some photos I came across one of several Common Snipe, with what looks to be a smaller Snipe on the right-hand side. I've cropped and resized the original photo, but inserted a non-resized crop of the bird in question.

In Collins, the two main pictures of Common and Jack Snipe suggest that the scapular stripes on Common run almost parallel, whilst on Jack they almost join at the tail. However, this isn't mentioned as a feature to separate the two. Can this feature be reliably used to separate the two species, and is it possible to determine the species of the bird in question from this photo?

Many thanks.

 

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phil baber

Clipped Wing

• Mar 10, 2009

• #2

The bill is too long for Jack, and the bird approximates in size to the others. IMO it is a Common Snipe.

 

J

JamesA

Crap Birder

• Mar 10, 2009

• #3

Common, based on size compared to the other birds.

 

Cristian Mihai

Cristian Mihai

• Mar 11, 2009

• #4

phil baber said:

The bill is too long for Jack, and the bird approximates in size to the others. IMO it is a Common Snipe.

Click to expand...

Agreed.

 

Sy V

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2009

• #5

Yes, sorry - Just a Common.

 

B

birding maniac

Michael M

• Mar 11, 2009

• #6

a common i am afraid, jack snipe is some times called half snipe in refference to its size with its size being marked as17 -19cm and the snipe being 25-27cm. i see what you mean about the scapulars i have a collins book that shows that feature, as well as ateast 4 other guides. I can only assume that your bird is an aberrant snipe showing this pattern or you should look at other snipes in europe for possible vagrancies

 

Ben M

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2009

• #7

Thanks to everyone, especially birding maniac for addressing my question on the scapular stripe pattern. Interesting to know that other guides show this feature too!