Painted snipe

Taxobox
name = Painted snipes


image_width = 200px
image_caption = Greater Painted Snipe
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Charadriiformes
familia = Rostratulidae
familia_authority = Ridgway, 1919
subdivision_ranks = Genus
subdivision =
*"Rostratula"
*"Nycticryphes"

Painted snipes are three distinctive wader species in the family Rostratulidae. The family is composed to two genera, "Rostratula" and "Nycticryphes". The Australian Painted Snipe is often treated as a subspecies of the Greater Painted Snipe. While they superficially resemble true snipes, they are considered to be more closely related to the jacanas.

The painted snipes are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but their plumage is much more striking. There is sexual dimorphism in both size and plumage, with the males being duller overall and smaller. All three species have large forward pointing eyes, and painted snipes are crepuscular or even slightly nocturnal in their habits.

The breeding biology of the painted snipes varies according to genus; the "Rostratula" painted snipes are generally polyandrous whereas the Lesser Painted Snipe is monogamous. The females of the genus "Rostratula" will bond with several males during a breeding season, but once the eggs are laid the males provide all the incubation and parental care. The nest of both species is a shallow cup, often built on a platform of vegetation. Clutch sizes range from 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for 15-21 days.

All three species live in reedy swamps and marshes, usually in lowlands. Outside of the breeding season they are generally solitary in habits. They are omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates and seeds. Animal prey taken includes annelid worms, snails, aquatic and marsh insects, and crustaceans. The seeds of grasses such as millet and rice are also consumed, and may form a major part of the diet of some populations.

At present the IUCN only recognises two species, the Lesser and Greater Painted Snipes, and neither is considered threatened by human activities. The Australian Painted Snipe has declined and is considered vulnerable in Australia, however.

Species

*Greater Painted Snipe ("Rostratula benghalensis") is found in marshes in Africa, India and South-east Asia.
*Australian Painted Snipe ("Rostratula australis") is a rare, nomadic and declining species found only in Australia (Lane & Rogers 2000)
*Lesser Painted Snipe ("Nycticryptes semicollaris"), inhabits grassy marshland in southern South America.

References

* Lane, B.A.; & Rogers, D.I. (2000). The Australian Painted Snipe, "Rostratula (benghalensis) australis": an Endangered species?. "Stilt" 36: 26-34

* del Hoyo, J.; Elliot, A. & Sargatal, J. (editors). (1996). "Handbook of the Birds of the World." Volume 3: Hoatzin to Auks. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 8487334202

External links

* [http://ibc.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/familia.phtml?idFamilia=53 Painted snipe videos] on the Internet Bird Collection
* [http://www.montereybay.com/creagrus/painted-snipes.html Painted Snipe]

Gallery