What killed this Jack Snipe?

[james bennet]

I found this dead Jack Snipe whilst reptile surveying at a heathland called Town Common, near Christchurch in Dorset.

The only obvious injury was a slight balding at the back of the head; the bird looked in otherwise good condition and was obviously freshly killed.

Any idea what may have killed it? Is the balding a natural moulting pattern or is it evidence of an attack by another bird?

It is always sad to find wildlife casualties but it was also fascinating to have such a close view of such a secretive and elusive bird. When seen up close the intricate camoflaging and patterns can really be appreciated.

[Wild-Woman]

Perhaps it was exhausted migrating here- had a rough journey and nearly predated. Just a thought.

Shame-they're very secretive birds and to see one like this is sad.

[Kyte]

Just a thought, but were there any overhead cables near by that it may have flown into ?
as it appears that the skin is not broken.

[james bennet]

Originally Posted by Kyte

Just a thought, but were there any overhead cables near by that it may have flown into ?
as it appears that the skin is not broken.

There were pylons nearby, and that thought did occur to me too.

[Jason Green]

I wonder if the bald patch on the head is significant to this, The feathers in general look quite wet or unpreened, so I don't think it's been dead for too long before it was photographed. Just a thought...