Snipe Vs Woodcock: Key Differences Explained

Woodcocks and Snipes are both species of wading birds which are found all across Europe and Asia. They share quite a few similarities in colouration, habitat and behaviour.

These similarities can make it difficult to differentiate between these two birds especially if seen at a distance. Having said that, they have enough differences to make a positive identification if you know what you’re looking for.

In this article we’ll take a closer look at the Snipe and the Woodcock and explain these differences. Keep reading to find out more.

Key Takeaways

• Snipes and Woodcocks have similar colours and markings however, woodcocks are far larger birds than snipes
• Snipes are smaller and slimmer than woodcocks
• Woodcocks feed during the night whereas snipes feed during the day
• The bill of the snipe is far longer than that of the woodcock
• Woodcocks are found in woodlands whereas snipes are found in wetlands

What Is The Difference Between A Snipe And A Woodcock?

The Woodcock and the Snipe are both similar in colour, cryptic patterning and habitat which makes it quite difficult to differentiate between them. However, there are a number of differences which allow us to be certain of the identity of the particular wading bird we are watching. These differences include;

Visual Differences

Woodcocks have a cryptic brown plumage with intricate patterns of mottled brown, black and grey. These colours and markings allow the Woodcock to blend into forest floors and keep it hidden from predators.

Woodcocks also have broad, rounded wings, a striped crown and a long, straight bill which is slightly shorter in relation to its body size when compared with that of the Snipe.

Snipes are smaller and slimmer than Woodcocks but also have a brown, black and grey or buff mottled plumage with that cryptic patternation. However, the pattern on the plumage of the Snipe tends to have a more streaked appearance with bold, contrasting stripes on their faces, heads and backs.

Snipes also have long, straight bills but these are far longer than the bill of the Woodcock.

Differences In Feeding

Woodcocks start feeding at dusk and feed mainly through the night. They probe the forest floors searching for invertebrates, especially earthworms which are their preferred food.

Snipes feed during the day probing the soft ground and mud in their wetland habitats for invertebrates.

Differences In Habitat

Woodcocks are mainly found in woodlands, including upland, urban and suburban areas as well as farmlands. There is a full time, resident Woodcock population here in the UK but their numbers swell during autumn and winter when Woodcocks from Finland and Russia migrate to the relatively warmer climes of the UK.

Woodcocks prefer deciduous and mixed woodlands and heathland areas.

Snipes can be found in wet meadows, marshes and moorlands and they prefer marshy areas with patches of cover. They tend to keep away from dense vegetation,

During autumn and winter the UK snipe population dramatically increases as Snipes from Northern Europe fly in to over winter in the relatively warmer temperatures offered in the UK.

This means it is often easier to spot both of these birds in winter time when they are more abundant.

Nests & Eggs

During the breeding season, male Woodcocks perform a courtship display flight which in ornithological circles is known as “roding”. During these displays the males make a call that sounds like “orr,orr,orr, pst”

They nest on the ground in undergrowth where they construct a nest which is cup-shaped or in some cases they make a scrape nest. The nest is then lined with dead leaves and other soft plant materials. 

The female will lay a single brood of 1 to 2 white or creamy eggs covered in light brown or grey speckles. The eggs are around 44 x 34 mm in size and are incubated by the female for around 21 to 24 days.

The precocial chicks are ready to leave the nest almost as soon as they hatch and start to fly at around 10 days for short distances. They actually fledge the nest after around 15 to 20 days. 

If the brood is threatened, the mother can carry the small chicks between her legs and body as she flies.

Male Snipes make a sound that resembles drumming during their aerial courtship displays. The sound is created by their tail feathers in the wind as they fly and is a great way to confirm the identity of these elusive birds.

They nest in well hidden locations on the ground where they make a simple scrape nest. The nest is lined with grass and other soft plant materials.

The female will lay a single brood of around 4 olive-brown eggs which are covered in dark speckles. The eggs are around 40 x 28 mm in size and are incubated by the female for around 18 to 21 days.

The precocial chicks are ready to leave the nest almost immediately after hatching and typically fledge the nest around 10 to 20 days after hatching.

Bird Calls

The call of the Woodcock is most noticeable during the breeding season and consists of a series of squeaks and grunts which can be heard just before dusk and again just before dawn. These calls are all part of their breeding ritual and are also used to establish their territory.

Snipes use that drumming sound as part of their breeding ritual but they do also have a voice which is unique to them. It sounds like a series of croaks and grunts and a distinctive “chip, per, chip, per chip” song. These calls are also used to establish their territory as well as to communicate with other members of their community.

Size & Weight

Woodcocks are the larger of these 2 birds with an overall length of around 33 to 35 cm and a wingspan of between 55 to 65 cm. The weight of a Woodcock ranges from around 240 to 420 grams which is twice or in some cases 4 times as heavy as the Snipe.

Snipes are far slimmer than Woodcocks with an overall length of around 23 to 28 cm and a wingspan of around 39 to 45 cm. The average weight of an adult Snipe is around 80 to 120 grams.

SEE ALSO: Skylark Vs Woodlark: Key Differences Explained

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