This medium sized snipe is uncommon to locally common near or above treeline (from 2,500 to 4,100m) in marshes and bogs from temperate regions to páramo. It is found from extreme southwest Venezuela to southern Ecuador, with small numbers in northern Peru. Throughout its range, the Noble Snipe is only sympatric with Andean Snipe, and can be distinguished by its lighter coloration overall, an unmarked white belly, and a white crescent on the upperwing formed by white tips to the greater coverts. Its tail is rufous barred with black and white outer edges, visible in flight. The Noble Snipe is very active, but reluctant to flush. When it does, however, its flight is somewhat strong and direct, unlike the zig-zagging typical of most snipes.