The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides the best data in Canada for Wilson's Snipe, covering the majority of the breeding population. However, the northern portion is not as well covered as elsewhere, and the species prefers to breed in bogs, fens, and swamps, where it is can be inconspicuous (Mueller 1999). BBS results indicate that the national population has shown a moderate increase relative to 1970. Regional results vary widely, from a large increase in the Prairie Potholes Bird Conservation Region (BCR), an area of high breeding density, to large decreases in the three coastal forest BCRs (Atlantic Northern Forest, Northwestern Interior Forest, and Northern Pacific Rainforest BCRs), and little overall change in other areas (all BCRs with reasonably reliable results are displayed below). Shorter-term results from the Marsh Monitoring Program suggest little overall change in those regional populations, mirroring the BBS trends from the Lower Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Plain and Boreal Hardwood Transition BCRs for that time period. BBS results from throughout North America indicate that the continental population has experienced little overall change relative to 1970. The Wilson's Snipe is at an acceptable level relative to its national population goal (see BBS Canada graph below).
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis
Additional information on: Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program
Additional information on: Quebec Marsh Monitoring Program