Snipe in Eastern Africa

Summary— The Jack Snipe is a very distinctive bird and should not be confused with the other four species. Its flight also is slower and more butterfly‐like. The Pintail Snipe is not readily distinguishable in the field from the Common Snipe, but in the hand the extraordinarily thin outer tail feathers are unmistakable. The Common Snipe is easily distinguishable by the outer tail feathers, which can be seen at close quarters when the bird is in flight. It also has a more rapid flight than either the Double or African Snipe, and looks rather smaller on the wing. The African Snipe has a heavier and rather slower flight than the Common Snipe and usually looks larger on the wing. The much narrower white outer tail feathers are the most outstanding character. The Double Snipe is the one that is usually confused with the African Snipe, as its general appearance and*outer tail feathers are much the same when seen in flight. In the hand the barred belly is a most distinctive character. The outer tail feathers are broader than those of the African Snipe. It should not be confused with the Common Snipe, and certainly not with the Pintail Snipe. When a bag of mixed Double and African Snipe are laid out, the white unbarred belly of the latter is very apparent.