The common snipe is one of 81 species of sandpiper, which comprises the largest family of shorebirds. All sandpipers have relatively long wings and short tails, but differ greatly in the shape of their bills. The snipe can be found in swampy marshes and other wet habitats, where it uses its long, slender bill to probe for aquatic insects, snails, and small crustaceans.

"Common Snipe," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 96 Encyclopedia. (c) 1993-1995 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.