Latham's Snipe is the largest snipe in Australia, with cryptic, mainly brown, plumage. The bill is long and straight, the wings rather short and pointed and the tail is long. It has short legs and when folded, the wings project well past the tail, giving a pointed look. The upper body is boldly patterned with black, brown and white. There is a bold narrow dark brown cheek stripe and dark line through the eye. The sexes are similar and, unlike most migratory waders, do not show a lot of seasonal variation. The eyes are set well back on the distinctive rounded head. Snipe are very shy and wary and burst from cover when disturbed, zig-zaggingg off with a very fast flight, with a 'crek' call, before dropping to cover again. This is often the first indication that they are around, as they are usually well-camouflaged when still. This species is also known as the Japanese Snipe.
