Gallinago magellanica (P.P.King, 1828)

Taxonomic Name

The Magellanic snipe (scientific name: Gallinago magellanica (P.P.King, 1828)) has distinct stripes of tan and darker brown on its face.

Facial and Upperpart Plumage

On a brown background, its upperparts display a complex pattern of muted whitish, buffy, rufous, and black. Fine vermiculation marks its breast, while its flanks feature dark and light barring.

Tail and Bill Morphology

The upper surface of its tail is rufescent, with irregular bars and white tips. It has a long, thick, dull pinkish bill that ends in a black tip, and its legs are yellowish.

Breeding Distribution

The Magellanic snipe's distribution extends from north-central Chile and northwestern Argentina south to Tierra del Fuego, and it is also found on the Falkland Islands.

Non-breeding Range

It travels to Uruguay during the non-breeding season.

Habitat

This species lives in a range of damp to wet landscapes, including pampas, peat bogs, flooded steppe, tussock grasslands, and marsh edges; it sometimes also occurs in swampy woods.