
Jack Snipe
Irish Name: | Naoscach bhídeach |
Scientific name: | Lymnocryptes minimus |
Bird Family: | Waders |
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Conservation status
Conservation status
Status
Winter visitor - there are 4 populations which breed across northern Europe, Russia and Siberia, and migrate west and south to winter in Europe, Africa and Asia. They occur in Ireland throughout the winter period, and also on passage. Most in Ireland between September & March.
Identification
A tiny version of the Common Snipe, but only a winter visitor and passage migrant. Almost never seen on the ground, as it will sit tight, crouching low, until nearly stepped on, before exploding into the air and then landing usually a short distance away (Snipe tend to fly well away after being disturbed). A combination of this behaviour and its obvious small size is usually how Jack Snipe are identified. The straight bill is much shorter than a Snipe's and the wings neater and blunter - almost giving the impression of a Dunlin-sized bird in flight. Not common and usually only seen singly.
Voice
Almost silent in winter, but may occasionally give a quieter version of the Snipe's call when flushed.
Diet
Feeds in dense grass and low cover, taking larvae and adults of many insects, molluscs, worms and plant material.
Breeding
Does not breed in Ireland. Jack Snipe that winter in Ireland breeds in bogs in Scandinavia and northern Russia.
Wintering
Winters all over Ireland, highly elusive.
Blog posts about this bird
BirdWatch Ireland expresses disappointment at outcome of Open Seasons Order review
BirdWatch Ireland acknowledges publication of changes to the Open Seasons Order by Minister Noonan for the coming season.
The removal of four duck species – Scaup, Pochard, Goldeneye and Pintail – due to severe declines in their populations shows some progress by the Minister to address the vulnerable status of these species. However, BirdWatch Ireland is disappointed that two additional species that we recommended for removal – Shoveler and Golden Plover – remain on the list though the science clearly shows declines in those populations also.
No rationale has been provided as to why these species remain on the list. The information provided announcing the decision is inadequate and lacking detail. The most severe impacts to waterbirds and wading birds that are on the Open Seasons Order relate to habitat loss and degradation, pollution, disturbance and climate change. However, every pressure and threat must be addressed considering the dire conservation status of many of the species that are huntable in Ireland. We hope that hunting organisations will support this decision and we also hope that government will assist hunting organisations to be able to contribute to data collection in Ireland.
Earlier this year, BirdWatch Ireland called for six of the 21 bird species currently permitted to be hunted under the Open Seasons Order to be removed from the list, a suggestion underpinned by the robust scientific evidence of their ongoing declines in Ireland. We also urged for more analysis to be undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to determine how best to proceed in relation to nine of the other species listed. These proposals were some of many made as part of our submission to the public consultation on the review of the Open Seasons Order for Birds.