Giant Snipe

Overview

The giant snipe (Gallinago undulata) is the largest of all snipes, a stocky wader that breeds in South America. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although it is hunted and faces habitat loss in parts of its range.

Identification

• Size: 36 to 47 cm in length, with the southern subspecies being notably larger than the nominate.
• Plumage: Streaked and patterned with black and brown on the upperparts, head, and neck; white belly with brown barring on the flanks.
• Bill: Very long, straight, and horn-coloured, usually exceeding 11.5 cm in length.
• Call: Emits a 'kek-kek' call when flushed and a rasping trisyllabic call during its nocturnal display flight.

Habitat

Found in tall vegetation in swamps, flooded grasslands, and occasionally dry savannahs. Its range extends from lowlands up to 2,200 m altitude across Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, and parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and possibly Argentina and Uruguay.

Diet

Its diet apparently includes frogs, though its exact habits are poorly understood due to its secretive nature. It forages nocturnally and is rarely seen on the ground.

Did you know?

This species possesses barred flight feathers, a feature unique among snipes. Its seasonal movements are very poorly understood, with some populations appearing to arrive in areas only after rain.