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Latham's Snipe

(Gallinago hardwickii)
Alternative names: "Australian Snipe", "Common Snipe", "Japanese Snipe", "Jack Snipe", "Long-bill", "Bleater"
Size: 27-30 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Latham's Snipes are migrants from the north (Japan) along the eastern seaboard and Great Dividing Range of the Australian continent, including Tasmania. Occasionally found out west to a line extending south from the QLD/NT border and in the tropical north of the NT. They are not found in the western half of SA, anywhere other than the tropical north of the NT and not at all in WA.

Latham's Snipe can be found in various types of wetlands, around both freshwater and seawater. They are very shy and therefore prefer habitats with dense growth, e.g. high reeds, for cover.

Sightings

A couple of Latham's Snipes was seen by us twice in February/March 2009, on the fringes of Narrabri Lake, north-western NSW. The birds were identified based on the long straight bill, short body and the colour pattern on their back. Three birds were seen at the same location in April 2011. One bird was observed in early October 2011.

Photos

Latham's Snipe is known to be very shy. Photos are therefore hard to come by if one does not use any equipment, such as a boat or camouflage, to approach it in its habitat.

Latham's Snipe seen in flight from behind

Behaviour

Social behaviour: ? Mobility: Migratory Elementary unit: Solitary/pair

Latham's Snipe is very shy and easily flushed, often at distances of up to 50 m (hence only a photo in flight from behind...).