Gallinago hardwickii (J.E.Gray, 1831)

Taxonomy and Size

This species, scientifically known as Gallinago hardwickii (J.E.Gray, 1831), is a snipe that measures 29–33 cm in length, has a 50–54 cm wingspan, and weighs 150–230 g.

Plumage Identification

It can be identified as a Gallinago snipe by its cryptically patterned plumage in black, brown, buff, and white.

Similar Species Distinction

In the field, however, it is not easily distinguished from Swinhoe's snipe and pin-tailed snipe, though it is slightly larger than these two species.

Breeding Distribution

This snipe breeds mainly in Hokkaidō, northern Japan, with smaller breeding populations found on Honshū, the eastern Russian mainland, and Sakhalin; historically, it also bred on the Kurile Islands.

Non-breeding Range

The entire population is migratory, and spends the non-breeding season principally in eastern Australia, where it is the most common Gallinago snipe.

Migration Records

It has been recorded during migration in Taiwan, the Philippines, and New Guinea, and is a rare straggler to New Zealand.

Breeding Habitat

Its breeding habitat in Asia includes alpine moorland, grasslands, rough pasture, young tree plantations, and cultivated areas.

Non-breeding Habitat

In Australia, its non-breeding habitat consists of various types of shallow freshwater wetlands, with bare mud or shallow water available for feeding, and nearby vegetation cover for shelter.