Painted-snipes

The Rostratulidae family, known as painted-snipes, consists of two genera and four species, including one extinct species. These birds are short-legged and long-billed, resembling true snipes but with more colorful plumage and sexual dimorphism; females are larger and more vividly colored. Painted-snipes are often found in marshy environments, leading a solitary life outside breeding season and showing crepuscular or nocturnal behavior. They are omnivores, consuming both invertebrates and seeds. Breeding strategies vary by genus, with Rostratula species being polyandrous and Nycticryphes monogamous; males of Rostratula typically handle all incubation and child care. Nests are shallow cups on vegetation platforms, and eggs incubate for 15-21 days. The Australian painted-snipe is endangered in Australia, though the other species are currently not considered threatened. Painted-snipes have been shaped by convergent evolution, resembling true snipes due to similar ecological niches, rather than close genetic relatedness.