Swinhoe's Snipe
NameSwinhoe's Snipe
Common NameSwinhoe's Snipe
Scientific NameGallinago megala
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)125
Plumage DetailsThe upperparts are intricately patterned with dark brown, black, and buff streaks and bars, providing excellent camouflage. The head features a distinct pale supercilium above a dark eye-stripe. Underparts are generally pale, often with some barring on the flanks.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a 'chuk-chuk' call. During its aerial display, it produces a distinctive 'drumming' sound with its outer tail feathers as air rushes through them.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in central and eastern Siberia and Mongolia. Winters across Southeast Asia, including northeastern India, and extends south to New Guinea and northern Australia.
Identifying Featuresvery long straight bill, cryptic brown and black streaked plumage, pale supercilium, dark eye-stripe, short legs, aerial 'drumming' display
Description
Swinhoe's Snipe is a medium-sized, cryptically patterned shorebird characterized by its very long bill and elusive nature. It typically inhabits wet grasslands and marshes, where its camouflage helps it blend seamlessly with the vegetation.
