Fairly common in wetland habitats from damp meadows to saltmarshes. Mostly inconspicuous, feeding in muddy ground by probing with its very long bill, usually near reeds or other grassy cover. Often not seen until flushed, when usually rises from fairly close range with rough rasping call. Breeding birds are more conspicuous, perching on fence posts. Note cryptic, stripy plumage, very long bill. In Asia and Australasia, beware of extremely similar Pin-tailed, Swinhoe's, and Latham's Snipes, all of which lack the white trailing edge of Common and have a slower, less erratic flight. In display flight, birds stoop from high overhead and produce a pulsating, bleating sound from air passing through their fanned tail.