The wood snipe is a species of snipe which breeds in the Himalayas of northern India, Nepal, Bhutan and southern China. In winter, it occurs at lower altitudes in the Himalayas, as a regular visitor in small numbers to north Vietnam. it also occurs as a vagrant in central and southern India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, north Thailand and Laos. It is reportedly very well-known to Chauri herders in the Himalayas.
Region
Himalayas and adjacent East Asian highlands
Typical Environment
Breeds in alpine and subalpine meadows, bogs, and rhododendron scrub across the Himalayas from northern India through Nepal and Bhutan into southern China (including the Tibetan Plateau margins). In winter it descends to lower montane valleys and foothills and regularly reaches northern Vietnam in small numbers. Vagrants occur in central and southern India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, northern Thailand and Laos. It favors wet, soft-ground habitats with dense cover and nearby seepage or marshy patches.
Altitude Range
1000–4500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Wood Snipe breeds high in the Himalayas and moves downslope in winter, remaining elusive and often detected only when flushed. It is threatened by habitat loss from drainage of bogs, overgrazing, and disturbance, and is considered Endangered. Local herders in the high pastures know it well, and many records come from their observations.
Wood Snipe, Thailand
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with zig-zag escape flight
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, keeping low in dense vegetation and flushing only at close range. Nests are on the ground in alpine meadows or scrub, with well-camouflaged eggs. Chicks are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching; parental care is attentive but discreet.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; gives sharp, nasal calls when flushed. In display, like other snipes, it may produce a winnowing or drumming sound with modified tail feathers during flight, especially at dawn or dusk in the breeding season.
