Norm, et a.

BNA online reports the following ...

G. g. gallinago [i.e., the now "Common Snipe"] (Linnaeus, 1758). Breeds 
across Eurasia. Migrant in w. Aleutian Is., where breeding suspected, and 
Pribilof Is., AK. Winters rarely to Hawaiian Is. Casual or accidental to 
Greenland, Labrador, and Bermuda.


We have seen them in Alaska on Attu and they have been reported as far east 
as Adak in the Central Aleutians (where Wilson's are also present!) and 
north to St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea. I am also not aware of any 
accepted records from the lower 48, however, I know that Martin Reid has 
photographed a bird in Texas that he believes is a Common. I don't know if 
it has been reviewed by the Texas Records Committee, yet. His links are 
here ...

         http://www.martinreid.com/Main%20website/snipe25.html

Given the records in Greenland, Labrador, and Bermuda, I would not be 
surprised to find out they have reached the eastern seaboard; birders 
should be aware of and look for the differences, even though separation can 
be tricky.

Basically, Common Snipe is paler and warmer in overall color than Wilson's, 
with some subtle plumage differences; however, the underwing linings are 
whiter--this can be seen if the bird is flying overhead and displaying (as 
in western Alaska). If a Common Snipe is flushed, but is not on territory, 
they usually fly high and directly away from you, but the wider white 
trailing edge on the secondaries is usually evident. Also, the winnowing 
display song is much lower in pitch than Wilson's.

Hope this helps ...

Phil




At 08:14 04/13/2006, Norm Saunders wrote:

>So the answer is yes, change Common Snipe in your database to Wilson's
>Snipe (unless, of course you saw your Common Snipe in the British Isles or
>northern Eurasia.  Since the AOU elected to leave Common Snipe on the North
>American Check-List as well, I must assume there have been sightings in
>Canada or perhaps in Alaska.  To my knowledge there are no Common Snipe
>sightings in the Lower 48, but if I'm wrong, I'm sure someone here will be
>happy to correct me.  I hope this helps!
>
>Norm Saunders

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Phil Davis      Davidsonville, Maryland     USA
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