Swinhoe's Snipe

Overview

Swinhoe's snipe (Gallinago megala), also known as forest snipe or Chinese snipe, is a medium-sized, long-billed, migratory wader. The common name commemorates the British naturalist Robert Swinhoe, who first described the species in 1861.

Identification

• Medium-sized wader with a length of 27–29 cm and a wingspan of 38–44 cm.
• Features cryptically patterned plumage in black, brown, buff and white.
• Not easily distinguished from Latham's and pin-tailed snipe in the field.

Habitat

Breeding habitat consists of forest glades and meadows, while non-breeding habitat includes shallow freshwater wetlands such as paddy fields and sewage farms with nearby vegetation cover. It breeds mainly in central and southern Siberia and Mongolia, and migrates to eastern and southern India, Sri Lanka, south-eastern China, South-East Asia and New Guinea for the non-breeding season.

Diet

The bird mainly feeds on small invertebrates, including earthworms, mollusks and insects.

Did you know?

During the breeding season, males perform display flights and drumming.