Identifier et observer la Bécassine double en Catalogne espagnole au printemps

Great Snipe Gallinago media is a rare migrant in France and in Western Europe. It breeds in boggy areas above the tree line of Scandinavian mountains and also in extensive lowland swamps of eastern Europe, and the European populations are declining. It is quite difficult to distinguish from Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago : it is slighty (10-15%) bigger and podgier than Common Snipe, more like a Woodcock in shape. It look altogether more barred than a Snipe due to the extensively barred underparts and the rows of black and white lines across the rufous wing coverts. The white edges to the outer tail are more extensive.
The number of birds reported in France is low, and the majority of data come from the hunting world (the closely-related Common Snipe being hunted). During this Spring 2011 (since March), certainly less than five birds were announced on the French birding-lists and websites, whereas 33 birds were watched meanwhile in Catalunya, Spain, a spectacular influx.
This article is dedicated to the useful identification field criteria based on birders experience and the presentation of good Catalan spots to search for it.