Greater Painted-snipe

Scientific Name: Rostratula benghalensis
Malay Name: Meragi Biasa
Chinese Name: 彩鹬

Range:
Found from Africa to the Indian subcontinent, China, southern Japan, Southeast Asia and Australia.

Taxonomy:
Monotypic.

Size: 23-26 cm

Identification:
Differentiated from other snipe species by distinctive white spectacles, narrow buffish median stripe and bill that droops slightly at tip. Female has blackish crown, dark maroon-chestnut head, neck and upper breast, blackish breast band, white belly and white band around shoulder. Plumage of male is somewhat paler with greyish brown head-sides, neck, upper breast and rich buffish markings on wing-coverts. Juvenile resembles male but wing-coverts greyer.

Habitat: Freshwater marshes and well-vegetated wetlands.

Behaviour/Ecology: Quite secretive and mainly crepuscular.

Local Status: Rare resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

Location: Recent sightings were at Lorong Halus, Kranji Marsh, Pasir Ris and Jurong Central Park.

Photos:

Male Greater Painted-snipes at Jurong West Street 42. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Female Greater Painted-snipe at Jurong West Street 42. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Greater Painted-snipe at Seletar. Photo credit: Francis Yap

External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Greater Painted-Snipe)

References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Rostratula benghalensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22735810A95118332.en. Accessed on 19 December 2021

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.