The South American painted-snipe, or lesser painted-snipe, is a shorebird in the family Rostratulidae. There are two other species in its family, the Australian painted-snipe and the greater painted-snipe.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the lowland wetlands of Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and Paraguay, with records tied to extensive marshes and wet grasslands. It favors shallow freshwater marshes, vegetated pond margins, and seasonally flooded fields, including rice paddies. Birds are patchily distributed, appearing where water levels and dense emergent cover coincide. During droughts they may vacate sites and concentrate in remaining marshes. Local movements are common, following rainfall and flood dynamics.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The South American painted-snipe (often called the lesser painted-snipe) is the only New World member of the painted-snipe family Rostratulidae. Unlike its Old World relatives, the sexes are quite similar in appearance. It is a shy, crepuscular marsh bird that relies on cryptic plumage to remain hidden among reeds. Local movements track water levels and seasonal flooding in pampas wetlands.
Temperament
secretive and crepuscular
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over marsh vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally small loose groups where habitat is optimal. Nests on the ground in dense marsh vegetation in a shallow scrape lined with plant material. Clutch size is typically small, and adults rely on camouflage and stealth to avoid predators.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; emits soft whistles and low grunts, especially at dawn and dusk. Alarm calls are brief, nasal notes given when flushed. Display vocalizations are subdued compared with true snipes.
