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Platte River Status: A common migrant, rare nesting species and rare winter resident. Occurrence dates at the Mormon Island Crane Meadows, Hall County, extend from 21 March to 26 October. Tout (1947) recorded common snipe in Lincoln County only as a migrant and probable winter resident. Rosche (1979) found common snipe in the lower North Platte River Valley 24 March to 6 November, with one midwinter record.

Breeding Range: Apparently restricted entirely to the Platte River Valley physiographic region during the nesting season.

Breeding Population: Because of the low numbers and highly localized distribution of this species we failed to record any on our random census plots in 1979-1980. Based on distribution data, we believe that probably no more than 50 breeding pairs occupy the study area during any particular year.

Habitat: Our observations of this species during the nesting season have been restricted to areas of extensive wet prairie vegetation within the Platte River Valley. Faanes (1982) recorded common snipe in seasonal and permanent wetlands in central North Dakota.

Effect of Habitat Alteration: Total breeding numbers are too low in our area to be severely impacted by alteration of available habitats. However, we believe that one of the main factors impeding colonization of the area by greater numbers of nesting birds is the loss of extensive areas of wet prairie through conversion to agricultural production, and encroachment of wooded vegetation.

Nesting Data: Johnsgard (1980) reported that common snipe is a regular summer resident in the Clear Creek marshes, Garden County. A male was heard and seen displaying over wet prairie vegetation at Mormon Island during 26 April to 17 July 1983, and each year since then. Intensive searches of the area failed to produce a nest or young. A nest with eggs was collected in Garden County (Wilson Bulletin 30:114, 1918). Stewart (1975) reported that egg dates in North Dakota extend from 20 May to 27 June.