Bird ID

[Quarryman]

I've recently spotted a bird that I can't identify, shape and size I would say was a cross between a sandpiper and a snipe, all black on top and wings with a snowy white underside and around the rump???

Your hopefully

Matt.

 

[JonathanD]

Oystercatcher...

or female Painted Snipe....

 

[JonathanD]

Assuming it was wetlands you were at of course.

 

[Quarryman]

Many thanks Jonathan, the painted snipe is looking favourable, it's not an oystercatcher and I've not heard of the painted snipe until now.

regards Matt.

 

[JonathanD]

No worries. I can't think of any other possibilities that come close to those two. If it was earlier in the year the juveniles of many snipes and sandpipers would be likely, but not this time of year. Painted snipes are also quite dark and drab around now too, adding even more credence to the possibility.

 

[Galemys]

Hi Matt,

My first thought is a solitary sandpiper (Tringa solitaria). These can look quite black & white from a distance, have light underwings and a white rump patch. Here in Holland they can be seen most of the year, usually associated with waterbanks. I have no idea how likely it is to encounter these birds in Britain though.

Cheers,

Tom

PS A painted snipe (it's nearest breeding grounds are in Egypt) would be a mega-rarity in Europe!

 

[Justin Time]

What environment were you in when you saw this bird? Size can be difficult to judge too with a bird on it's own...

The Painted Snipe isn't on the British List and it's graded as unlikely to occur here in the wild

 

[Bushwhacker]

I immediately thought of an Avocet but then thought that they don't have as much black as described in the OP.