What bird I found out about

pectoral (breast) muscles that make up nearly a quarter of the bird’s

weight—the highest percent of ALL shorebirds. Thanks to their massive

flight muscles this chunky sandpiper can reach speeds estimated at 60 miles

an hour.

#2. Although only the female tends the eggs and nestlings, Wilson’s Snipe

parents split up the siblings once they’re ready to fledge. The male takes

the two oldest; the female takes the younger two with her. After they leave

the nest the mates have no further contact.

#3. Because a Wilson’s Snipe’s eyes are set far back on its head, it can

see almost as well behind as in front and to the sides. This arrangement

makes it difficult for a potential predator to sneak up on a feeding

snipe—it almost literally has “eyes in the back of its head.”

#4. Wilson’s Snipes use their flexible bills to probe for food in wet soil

and can swallow small prey without having to pull their bill from the soil.

#5. These birds are best known for their dramatic “winnowing” courtship

displays: as a snipe (usually a male but sometimes a female) circles and

dives over the breeding territory, air rushes over the outspread tail

feathers. This creates a haunting, whirring hu-hu-hu sound.