Cryptic shorebird of wetlands, wet meadows, and both flooded and dry agricultural fields. Extremely similar in appearance to other snipe, particularly Swinhoe's Snipe; careful study and photography usually required to confirm identification. Namesake diagnostic thin gray outer tail feathers are only visible when tail is spread. Lacks Common Snipe's eye-catching white trailing edge of the wing. Averages less buffy than both Common and Swinhoe's, with slightly bolder white edgings to the wing feathers; darker and more richly colored than Latham's Snipe. In flight, toes project further beyond tail than in other Asian snipe. When flushed, gives a rasping call that is not as loud as Common Snipe’s call; also flies less erratically than that species.