The greater painted-snipe is a species of wader in the small painted-snipe family Rostratulidae. It widely distributed across Africa and southern Asia and is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including swamps and the edges of larger water bodies such as lakes and rivers. This species is sexually dimorphic with the female being larger and more brightly coloured than the male. The female is normally polyandrous with the males incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and South & Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occupies freshwater wetlands with shallow water and dense fringe vegetation, including swamps, marshes, oxbow lakes, and vegetated margins of rivers and ponds. It readily uses man-made habitats such as rice paddies, irrigation canals, and seasonally flooded fields. Prefers muddy edges and areas with sedges or grasses for cover, avoiding deep open water. Often appears after rains when ephemeral wetlands form and may disperse as sites dry.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species shows striking role reversal: females are larger, brighter, and court males; males incubate the eggs and rear the chicks. It prefers skulking through dense marsh edges and is most active at dawn and dusk. When flushed, it reveals bold white patches on the wings and often drops back into cover quickly. Local movements track changing water levels after rains.
The female on the left is more colourful.
Egg, Muséum de Toulouse
Male with chicks
Temperament
secretive and wary, crepuscular
Flight Pattern
low, direct flight with rapid wingbeats, flashing white wing patches
Social Behavior
Often seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups. Females may defend small territories and court multiple males; males build simple ground nests near water, incubate 3–4 eggs, and lead the downy chicks. Pairs and families keep close to dense cover and freeze or crouch when threatened.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft whistles and piping notes, most frequent at dusk and during displays. Females give louder, carrying calls during courtship; contact calls are gentle and repeated from cover.
