Fuegian Snipe
NameFuegian Snipe
Common NameFuegian Snipe
Scientific NameGallinago stricklandii
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)41
Length (cm)28.5
Weight (g)140
Plumage DetailsOverall cryptic brown and black streaked and barred plumage provides excellent camouflage. It features a dark crown with a pale central stripe, a dark eye-stripe, and a pale supercilium. Underparts are paler, often buffy with dark barring on the flanks.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh calls and whistles, but it is most notable for the 'drumming' sound produced by vibrating outer tail feathers during its aerial display flights.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, mountain, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the Andes of southern Chile and Argentina, extending south to Tierra del Fuego, and also found in the Falkland Islands.
Identifying FeaturesVery long, straight bill, Cryptic brown and black streaked plumage, Dark eye-stripe with pale supercilium, Stocky body with short legs, Prefers high-altitude wetlands
Description
The Fuegian Snipe is a medium-sized, cryptically patterned shorebird with a remarkably long bill, used for probing. It is typically shy and expertly camouflaged within its marshy and boggy high-altitude habitats.
