South American Snipe

Photo copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Images: Lagoa do Peixe, RS • November 2009

Bird name: South American Snipe
Latin: Gallinago paraguaiae
Other: Magellan Snipe • Narceja-sul-americana (Br) • Narceja
Family: Scolopacidae • Snipes
Range:
Similar: Giant Snipe

The South American Snipe can be distinguished from the Giant Snipe by its yellowish legs. In addition the Giant Snipe has a flatter forehead, longer bill, more colour.

This individual was in grass near a lake. He was not easy to photograph, remaining upright and visible for a couple of seconds after moving, before ducking down and disappearing completely from view, despite being a medium-sized bird. Fortunately he did this twice giving me an opportunity to take a photo on the second occasion.

The South American Snipe is found in most of South America, away from the Pacific coast.