Australian painted-snipe

Overview

Wikipedia

The Australian painted-snipe is a medium-sized, long-billed, distinctively patterned wader.

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Distribution

Region

Australia

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily across Australia wherever shallow, vegetated freshwater wetlands form, including floodplains, claypans, lignum swamps, and rice fields. It favors ephemeral wetlands with muddy margins and low emergent cover such as sedges and grasses. After inland rains it may quickly colonize newly formed wetlands, then disperse widely as they shrink. It is less common on saline wetlands and avoids deep open water. Nests are placed on the ground near water, often under cover.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1000 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size23–28 cm

Wing Span45–55 cm

Male Weight0.11 kg

Female Weight0.14 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Australian painted-snipe is a medium-sized, long-billed, distinctively patterned wader, now recognized as a species distinct from the Greater Painted-snipe. Females are more brightly colored than males and often initiate courtship, while males incubate and rear the chicks. It is highly nomadic, appearing at ephemeral wetlands after heavy rains and disappearing when they dry.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and crepuscular

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low fluttering flights

Social Behavior

Often seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups at suitable wetlands. The species is polyandrous; females may mate with multiple males, and males incubate the eggs and care for the chicks. Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground among low vegetation near water.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Generally quiet, giving soft whistles and piping calls, especially at dawn and dusk. During courtship, females may produce mellow, cooing whistles. Alarm calls are sharper, clipped notes when flushed.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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