(Lymnocryptes minimus)
Jack Snipe is a species breeding in the bird wetlands and best bird mires of the northern parts of Europe and Russia. The majority of the Jack Snipes in Finland breed north of the Oulu Region, and the current population is estimated at 4 000 – 8 000 pairs. This wader that is difficult to detect counts on its brown protective colour and will only take flight when someone is about to step on it. It is rare to get a chance to see it on the ground.
The presence of the Jack Snipe in the puddles on the aapa mires in Lapland is revealed by its special mating sound. The galloping horse-like sound up in the sky is indeed made by the Jack Snipe. The sound carries far, but it is difficult to locate the flying bird itself. During migration, the Jack Snipe can also be encountered in southern Finland, and some individuals may try to overwinter in Finland by ditches that will not freeze. However, the main overwintering areas of the species are in South-Western Europe and the Mediterranean.
Text: Jukka Jokimäki & Marja-Liisa Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki
Read more about Jack Snipe:
Flying Arctis -frontpage.