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:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Rostratula benghalensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. Downloaded on 2 September 2021
Robson, C. (2008). A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers.