The Jack snipe ( Lymnocryptes minimus 7.5" )),also known as judcock, jedcock, juddock, jed, and half snipe, is the most favoured bird for soft hackles,but feathers from the Common Snipe
(http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/3580/jacksnipe.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/849/jacksnipe.jpg/)
(Gallinago gallinago 10" )may also be used. Starling may also be used as a substitute if desired.Snipe is useful for the wing coverts and undercoverts and some body feathers. There are very many flies which are dressed with snipe feathers. The most famous is the "Snipe and Purple" The primaries are used for grey slip , bunch, or rolled wings.
(http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/686/snipeq.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/37/snipeq.jpg/)
(http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/6323/snipe3.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/685/snipe3.jpg/)
(http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2017/snw1d.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/98/snw1d.jpg/)
Snipe covert hackles as used for the Snipe and purple
(http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/3683/14snipeknucklefeatheran.gif) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/38/14snipeknucklefeatheran.gif/)
TL
MC