Noble Snipe

Overview

The noble snipe, Gallinago nobilis, is a small, stocky wader that is entirely sedentary. It is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length 30–32.5 cm with a stocky body and relatively short greyish-green legs.
• Upperparts, head and neck are streaked dark brown and buff with gold feather edges forming distinct back lines; white belly with brown flank barring.
• Possesses a very long, straight, horn-coloured bill; females have longer bills, while immatures show pale fringes on wing coverts.
• Emits a clear, melodious call.

Habitat

Breeds in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela above or just below the treeline. Occupies high-altitude wet grassland marshes and swamps at elevations between 2,700 and 4,200 m.

Diet

Forages by pushing its long bill deep into mud to seek insects and worms. Typically found alone or in pairs, using cryptic plumage for camouflage among marsh vegetation.

Did you know?

Performs an aerial display involving high circular flight followed by a powerful stoop that produces a drumming sound via vibrations of modified outer tail feathers.