The Madagascar snipe is a small stocky wader. It breeds only in the humid eastern half of Madagascar, from sea-level up to 2,700 m, being more common above 700 m. It is non-migratory.
Region
Eastern Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs in the humid eastern half of Madagascar, from coastal marshes to the central and eastern highlands. It favors permanent and seasonal marshes, flooded grasslands, peat bogs, and sedge-dominated wetlands. The species also uses rice paddies and valley mires where soft mud is available for probing. Breeding and foraging concentrate in dense wetland vegetation offering cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Madagascar snipe is a secretive wader found only in Madagascar’s wetlands, where its cryptic plumage blends perfectly with sedges and marsh grasses. It flushes at close range with a sudden, zigzagging flight and a harsh call. During display flights, it can produce a characteristic drumming or winnowing sound with modified tail feathers. Habitat loss and hunting pressure have contributed to its decline.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
explosive flush with short rapid wingbeats and zigzagging escape
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, keeping to dense cover in marshes. Ground nester, placing a well-hidden nest among sedges or grasses. Courtship involves aerial display flights, often at dawn or dusk. Outside the breeding season it remains dispersed in suitable wetlands rather than forming large flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; gives a sharp, rasping call when flushed. During display flights, produces a low, vibrating ‘drumming’ or winnowing sound created by air over the tail feathers.
Plumage
Heavily mottled and barred brown with bold buff stripes on the mantle and a pale median crown stripe; underparts show dense barring on the flanks with paler belly.
Diet
Feeds mainly on invertebrates such as earthworms, insect larvae, beetles, and small mollusks. Uses its long, sensitive bill to probe soft mud and saturated soil. Occasionally takes small seeds or plant matter incidentally while foraging.
Preferred Environment
Forages along the edges of shallow water in marshes, flooded grasslands, and rice paddies. Prefers areas with soft mud and dense sedges for cover, often feeding from concealed positions.
