Subantarctic Snipe
NameSubantarctic Snipe
Common NameSubantarctic Snipe
Scientific NameCoenocorypha aucklandica
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)31.5
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)95
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are mottled dark brown and black with rufous and buff streaks, providing excellent camouflage. The head is streaked with a pale supercilium above the eye. Underparts are paler, buffy with dark barring. It has a long, dark bill and yellowish-green legs.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but can produce soft 'chip' or 'churr' calls. During display flights, males are known to produce a distinctive 'drumming' sound created by their tail feathers.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to several subantarctic islands south of New Zealand, including the Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, and Snares Islands.
Identifying Featureslong straight bill, cryptic mottled brown plumage, streaked head with pale supercilium, short legs, small, stocky body
Description
The Subantarctic Snipe is a small, stocky shorebird with cryptic brown and black plumage, well-camouflaged in its dense island habitats. It possesses a remarkably long, straight bill used for probing the ground for invertebrates, and is generally secretive in its behavior.
