The Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) is a species of wading bird found across Europe and Asia. They inhabit marshes, bogs, tundra and wet meadows, favouring dense cover where they can stay well hidden.

What does a Common Snipe sound like? The drumming or winnowing sound of the Common Snipe is one of the most distinctive sounds of wetlands, bogs and wet grassland across northern Europe in summer. This sound isn’t a vocalization, but a mechanical noise produced as the bird dives through the air during display flights, with its outer tail feathers vibrating to create a fast, trembling hum. Apart from this display sound, the Common Snipe also makes sharp, repeated “chip-per, chip-per, chip-per” calls, often given from a fence post or in flight, as well as a harsh “scaap” alarm call when flushed.