Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
Corn Crake (Crex crex)
By far the most common snipe in most areas. Bill longer than congeners. Belly white, in contrast to barred flanks. Upperparts of wings with white trailing edge, underparts with white wingbars. Diagnostic escape flight when flushed, with zig-zag change of direction, characteristic call and long period of circling the area before landing (or leaving altogether).
Sound:Quite vocal, especially at breeding ground. Almost always give diagnostic hoarse and nasal "kaaat" call when flushed. Song an unmistakable bleating, drumming sound produced by vibrating tail feathers in sky-dives. Another territorial call is a rhythmic, mechanical and sharp "tika-tika-tka", or "ika-ka-ka".
Display, flush:
Distribution:
Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)
Ecology:Birdlife ecology
Links:
Observation.org Latest observations
Image search Flickr NB! May give other species
CCAbout half the size of Partridge with brownish plumage, bluish grey supercilium and breast sides. Flanks barred in white, back heavily streaked. Rufous wings obvious in flight. Seldom seen due to secretive behaviour, but song very noticeable.
Sound:Characteristic song can be heard at night. A rasping, hoarse "crex-crex" repeated about every second for long periods of time.
Song:
Distribution:
Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)
Ecology:Birdlife ecology
Links:
Observation.org Latest observations
Image search Flickr NB! May give other species
CCCC-photo:aigledayres, Licence,Link.
Sounds:Recorded by Edmunds Racinskis