Latham's Snipe

1. Exceptionally long, straight bill for probing in mud.

2. Broad buff supercilium above the eye, wider than both the central crown stripe and eyestripe.

3. Distinctive rapid, zig-zag flight when flushed, with toes not projecting beyond the tail.

Latham’s Snipe is omnivorous, feeding on seeds, plant material, and a wide range of invertebrates (insects, earthworms, spiders, molluscs, isopods, centipedes), using a “sewing machine” action to probe with its bill. In Australia, they are mostly crepuscular or nocturnal foragers but may also feed during the day. They do not breed in Australia; instead, they nest in Japan and parts of eastern Russia from May to July, with males performing spectacular display flights and “drumming” sounds with their tail feathers. In Australia, birds arrive from August–September and depart by March, with Tasmanian birds traveling the greatest distance.

In Australia, Latham’s Snipe is found in a range of freshwater wetlands with low, dense vegetation, including swamps, flooded grasslands, creeks, bogs, and even drainage channels. They are most common in eastern and southeastern Australia, including southeast Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the highlands. These birds roost singly or in small groups in dense grass or reeds near water by day and feed at night in nearby wet paddocks and mudflats. They prefer sites with both cover and open muddy feeding areas.