snipe

—snipelike, adj. —sniper, n.

/snuyp/, n., pl. snipes, (esp. collectively) snipe for 1, 2; v. sniped, sniping.

n.

1. any of several long-billed game birds of the genera Gallinago (Capella) and Limnocryptes, inhabiting marshy areas, as G. gallinago (common snipe), of Eurasia and North America, having barred and striped white, brown, and black plumage.

2. any of several other long-billed birds, as some sandpipers.

3. a shot, usually from a hidden position.

v.i.

4. to shoot or hunt snipe.

5. to shoot at individuals as opportunity offers from a concealed or distant position: The enemy was sniping from the roofs.

6. to attack a person or a person's work with petulant or snide criticism, esp. anonymously or from a safe distance.

[1275-1325; ME snype (n.) < ON -snipa (in myrisnipa moor snipe); c. Norw snipa, Icel snipa; cf. Dan sneppe, G Schnepfe]

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Any of about 20 species of birds (family Scolopacidae) that frequent wet meadows and marshes in temperate and warm regions worldwide.

They are short-legged and chunky, with brown, black, and white stripes and bars. The wings are pointed and angular. The long, flexible bill is used to probe mud for worms. The common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) is about 12 in. (30 cm) long, including the bill.

Common snipe (Gallinago gallinago).

Ingmar Holmasen

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▪ bird

      any of about 20 species belonging to the shorebird family Scolopacidae (order Charadriiformes). Snipes frequent wet meadows and marshes and occur in temperate and warm regions worldwide. They are short-legged, long-billed, chunky birds that are striped and barred in brown, black, and white. The wings are pointed and angular, the eyes rear-set. The bill is flexible and is used to probe mud for worms.

      Snipes are solitary while breeding, but in migration several may appear together (a “wisp” of snipes) on mud flats, along with other shorebirds. In most species, the courting male circles high and then dives toward the female on the ground while “drumming” or “bleating” the air with its tail feathers. Courtship commonly takes place at dusk, in moonlight, or on overcast days.

      The common snipe, Gallinago (sometimes Capella) gallinago, bears some resemblance to the related woodcock and is about 30 cm (12 inches) long, including the bill. It is a fair game bird, springing up with an unnerving squawk, flying a twisted course, and dropping suddenly to cover. This species, which inhabits temperate regions, includes Wilson's snipe of North America, the Eurasian snipe, and the South American snipe.

      The great snipe (G. media) of northern Europe is of heavier build, with barred underparts. Other snipes include the pintail snipe (G. stenura) of India and the jacksnipe (Lymnocryptes minima) of Eurasia. See also painted snipe.

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