Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe

Overview

The rufous-bellied seedsnipe (Attagis gayi) is a bird in the suborder Scolopaci of order Charadriiformes. It inhabits alpine terrain in the Andes of South America and is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Measures 27 to 30 cm in length and weighs approximately 280 to 400 g.
• Sexes are alike, with the nominate subspecies displaying an intricate scallop pattern of rufous-brown and blackish upperparts and unmarked pale pinkish cinnamon underparts.
• Emits a melodic 'gly-gly-gly' or 'cul-cul-cul' call frequently when flying or running, often simultaneously with other birds.

Habitat

Found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, the species occupies alpine terrain in the Andes, often reaching as high as the snow line. It frequents boggy and moist areas but also tolerates drier and rockier landscapes, typically residing between 1,000 m and 5,500 m in elevation depending on the subspecies.

Diet

The rufous-bellied seedsnipe feeds on plant matter, typically foraging in moist areas, although specific details of its diet remain lacking.

Did you know?

Subspecies A. g. latrelillii is found far from the other subspecies, restricted to seven high volcanoes in north-central Ecuador.