Name:
Latham's Snipe

Genus:
Gallinago hardwickii

Description:
The long warm days of summer signal a welcome back to the Parklands for one of the many summer migrants.

The Latham's Snipe has spent Sydney's winter months breeding mainly in Japan. They arrive in North Eastern Queensland during July and August and their numbers peak in Sydney during December and January. The birds spend the summer months in the Parklands before leaving around March when the weather turns cooler.

Latham's Snipe, also known as Japanese Snipe, like to spend their time well hidden in freshwater wetlands. Their intricately marked plumage of rufous, black and buff, with bold brown stripes and cream streaks helps them remain almost invisible. They feed on marshy ground by forcing their long straight bill vertically into the mud with a rapid sewing machine like action.

The sensitive tips of their bills can locate and grab worms and other invertebrates hidden deep in the mud. Their relatively long legs help keep them dry in the wet environment. Large dark eyes set high on the head help with locating danger during the day and feeding at night. If they are disturbed during the day they will freeze.

To escape they will burst up and fly a fast zigzag course then drop to cover again.

When they are disturbed like this they give a short rasping 'chak' or 'zak' as they burst from their cover. Their favoured habitat is soft wet ground with tussocks and other green or dead growth. A good area in the Parklands to see Latham's Snipe is the Kensington Ponds, although any suitable habitat could prove fruitful. The birds like to keep out of sight, and although this makes them difficult to find, it also makes discovering them even more rewarding.