The nearctic Wilson' Snipe is a split (or rather, a re-split since it was originally considered a separate species) from the palearctic Common Snipe. I think this was done about 2-3 years ago so older guides will not reflect the name change. Hpowever the Geo guide does note both subspecies and also remarks that "they are probably different species." The Wilson's Snipe differs in several repects from Common Snipe, one being the number of retrices (tail feathers). The modified outer tail feathers are involved in the display flight, which differs from that of the Common S.

Several other species which occur in both eastern and western hemispheres are potential splits (or have been split by European authorities): Green-winged Teal, Whimbrel and Herring Gull among others.

Gail Mackiernan
Colesville, MD

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Betsy True <>
> Wilson's snipe have been reported recently, in particular at Huntley Meadows
> where I saw one.  In looking at my records, I listed a "common snipe" last
> year at Huntley. <snip>
> Was there a name change?  Should I change my earlier notation of common to
> Wilson's?