Greater Painted-Snipe

[Tonji Ramos]

This is another joint post with Sylvia. We got another lifer from our 1/11/11 Candaba trip.

A most unusual bird species. Its called a Snipe but is not really a part of the Snipe family, its from the family Rostratulidae.

It is an example of reversed sexual dimorphism. The female is larger and more colorful, the male looks grey and drab in comparison.

In addition the females are polyandrous. Yup they can have several mates. The male is the one tasked to sit on the eggs and raise the young. The female courts other males and parties. What a bird.

We saw these birds from a distance so the quality is not the best, but its a photo lifer for us and I thought it might be an interesting bird for the forum members.

It is not that easy to see this bird since it likes to hide in the grass. But maybe with these photos showing the behavior our other members might have an easier time spotting these birds.

GREATER PAINTED-SNIPE
Rostratula benghalensis
Candaba, Pampanga, Philippines

My picture of the male (left) and the female (right)



Sylvia's picture showing the closed eye and the white eye lid.



Female standing by Sylvia

[Ely Teehankee]

The name of the bird fits the description of the bird to a T. What a good looking bird. I saw them flying a short distance from one place to another but it was too far and to grassy to take a photo. You & Sylvia did well with your captures. Thank you for sharing. Mabuhay.

[mantarey]

Wow you got this elusive bird too. Haven't even seen them in the field yet. Very interesting trivia Tonj, didn't know that.

[Mark Itol]

Wow a pair of GPSs. Indeed it is difficult to see these guys as they are always hiding in the grass. The female is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.