The Pantanal snipe is a bird in tribe Scolopancinai and subfamily Scolopacinae of family Scolopacidae, the sandpipers and relatives. It is found on Trinidad and Tobago and in every mainland South American country
Region
South America (including Trinidad and Tobago)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from Trinidad and Tobago through northern and central South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, much of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina, with local populations in Peru. It favors extensive freshwater wetlands such as seasonally flooded grasslands, marshes, swamps, and the margins of lakes, ponds, and slow rivers. The species also uses man-made habitats like rice fields and wet pastures. It is generally more common in lowlands but can range into foothills where suitable marshy ground exists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This secretive wetland snipe is widespread across mainland South America and also occurs on Trinidad and Tobago. In display flight, males produce a haunting winnowing sound as air vibrates through their outer tail feathers. It is often overlooked due to its excellent camouflage and crepuscular habits. Formerly lumped within the South American Snipe complex, it is now commonly treated as the Pantanal Snipe.
Temperament
solitary and shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with zig-zag flush; strong, low flight over marshes
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in loose, well-spaced groups, especially where feeding is good. Nests are shallow ground scrapes hidden in dense marsh vegetation; clutch typically two eggs. Males perform aerial display flights over territories, while both adults are attentive to precocial young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include soft chips and harsh, rasping calls when flushed. During display flights, a distinctive non-vocal winnowing or drumming is produced by vibrating outer tail feathers.
