Grey-breasted Seedsnipe

Overview

The grey-breasted seedsnipe (Thinocorus orbignyianus) is a species of bird in the family Thinocoridae. It is a year-round resident in the Andes of South America, classified by the IUCN as Least Concern with a stable population.

Identification

• 19 to 24 cm long, weighing 96 to 140 g.
• Males have a grey head, neck, and upper breast with a white throat bordered in black; upperparts are cinnamon buff with a vermiculate pattern.
• Females have a pale buff head and breast with heavy dark streaks.
• Song is a repetitive, dove-like "coocoop" from the ground or during display flights; also emits a snipe-like "chrp" when flushed.

Habitat

Found in the Andes across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. It inhabits Puna grassland, typically in areas with low matted vegetation or short grass near bogs. Elevation ranges from 3,400–5,000 m in Peru to above 1,000 m further south, though it can occur below 400 m in summer in Chilean Patagonia.

Diet

The bird feeds on the buds and leaves of herbs and succulent plants. It is usually observed foraging singly or in small family groups.

Did you know?

Its song is distinctly repetitive and described as sounding like a dove, consisting of the phrase "coocoop...coocoop...coocoop...".