Greater Painted-snipe

The greater painted-snipe, Rostratula benghalensis, is a medium-sized wader with a striking sexual dimorphism. The females are the more vibrant of the sexes, sporting dark bronze green upperparts and a chestnut patch extending from the lower head to the chest, complemented by a conspicuous white eyepatch. Males, on the other hand, are mottled in shades of grey and brown with buff-coloured upper parts, providing them with excellent camouflage, especially when nesting.

Identification Tips

To identify the greater painted-snipe, look for the larger and more colourful female with her distinctive white eyepatch and chestnut breast. The male is more subdued in colour, with a mottled appearance that blends into the wetland environment. Both sexes have a unique body shape typical of snipes, with a long bill and a stout body.

Habitat

These birds are inhabitants of wetland areas, showing a preference for muddy locales with ample vegetation for cover. They can also be found along the edges of lakes and rivers, as well as in marshes and swamps, always with a preference for areas where they can quickly retreat to safety.

Distribution

The greater painted-snipe boasts a broad distribution, spanning across Africa, Madagascar, the Seychelles, India, and Southeast Asia. They are present in the Nile River Valley and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, barring the rainforest zones. Notably, they are absent from eastern Somalia, the deserts of Namibia, and certain regions of Botswana and South Africa.

Behaviour

These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs, though they may congregate in larger groups. They are shy and retiring by nature, often skulking near vegetation. When disturbed, they exhibit a characteristic rail-like flight with dangling legs. During the breeding season, females may emit a mellow hooting or booming sound to attract males.

Song & Calls

Outside of the breeding season, the greater painted-snipe is mostly silent. However, during courtship, the female may produce a soft hooting or booming to communicate with potential mates.

Breeding

The greater painted-snipe is known for its polyandrous mating system, with females typically mating with two males per season, though they may pair with up to four. The males take on the responsibility of incubating the eggs and caring for the young. Chicks are buff-coloured with black stripes, while immature birds resemble males but lack the dark breast band. In regions with low population density, such as South Africa, the birds may exhibit monogamous behavior.

Similar Species

There are no similar species within their range that would be easily confused with the greater painted-snipe due to their distinctive sexual dimorphism and unique plumage patterns.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the greater painted-snipe includes insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and seeds, which they forage for in their wetland habitats.

Conservation status

The IUCN classifies the greater painted-snipe as "Least Concern" due to its extensive range and the relatively slow rate of decline in population numbers. Estimates suggest there are between 31,000 and 1,000,000 mature individuals currently living in the wild.