Lymnocryptes minimus (Brünnich, 1764) · močiarnička tichá · Jack Snipe

Distribution

Jack Snipe breeds in northern Europe and Asia and winters from western and southern Europe to Africa and southern Asia. In Slovakia it is a secretive spring and autumn migrant, with small numbers also wintering. Spring records are typical in March and April, autumn ones from September to November. It has no regular Slovak breeding population in summer.

Habitat

It seeks small muddy patches among sedges, waterlogged meadows and shallow fishpond margins. In winter it uses springs and unfrozen marshy ground. Even a tiny patch of soft mud within low vegetation can provide a suitable feeding stop.

Breeding

In its northern range it lays three or four eggs in a well-hidden ground nest. The male's aerial display includes a rhythmic sound resembling distant galloping; this is not winter behaviour of birds in Slovakia.

Food

It probes mud and picks insects, worms and other small invertebrates, supplementing these with plant material. Feeding birds often bob rhythmically.

Interesting fact

Relying on camouflage, it may remain crouched until a person is very close. Quiet, short flights distinguish it from Common Snipe; repeatedly flushing resting birds causes unnecessary disturbance.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia