Common snipe

The common snipe is a small, plump wading bird found across the Old World. It thrives in damp places like marshes and wet meadows, using its camouflaged feathers to stay hidden. What makes it special is the male's courtship flight, where it dives to create a eerie drumming sound with its tail feathers.

• Eats insects and worms by probing soft mud with its long beak.
• Males perform aerial dives that make a drumming sound during mating displays.
• Its mottled brown feathers blend perfectly with marshy surroundings.