Gallinago paraguaiae (Vieillot, 1816)

Taxonomy and Naming

This species, Gallinago paraguaiae, commonly known as the Pantanal snipe, was first described by Vieillot in 1816.

Body Length

Adult Pantanal snipes measure 26 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) in total length.

Weight and Sexual Dimorphism

Males weigh approximately 105 to 140 g (3.7 to 4.9 oz), while females weigh between 115 and 185 g (4.1 to 6.5 oz). Females are slightly larger than males, but do not differ in other physical traits.

External Morphology

Pantanal snipes have short greenish-gray legs and a very long, straight, dark bill.

Upperparts Coloration

Their upperparts display a complex pattern of muted whitish, buffy, rufous, and black tones set against a brown base.

Underparts Coloration

Their breast and flanks are buff-colored with black markings, and the remaining portions of their underparts are whitish.

Facial Markings

Their face features tan and darker brown stripes that blend into one another.

Distribution Range

The Pantanal snipe occurs in nearly all mainland countries of South America. It is not found in Chile, and has only been recorded as a vagrant in Ecuador.

Additional Distribution Records

The species is also present on Trinidad and the Falkland Islands, and is scarce across the Amazon Basin.

Habitat

It inhabits wet grassy savanna.

Elevation Range

Recorded elevation ranges for the species differ by location: it has been found up to 1,300 m (4,300 ft) in Venezuela, up to 2,200 m (7,200 ft) in Peru, and may reach up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) in Bolivia.