Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis
Length 24–30 cm; wingspan 50–54 cm; weight 125–130 g.
Although traditionally considered a race of the Greater Painted Snipe which occurs in Africa and Asia, recent studies of the morphology and DNA of the Australian Painted Snipe indicate that is should be regarded as a full species. They often occur in small parties, sometimes comprising one sex only. Australian Painted Snipe usually sit quietly beneath cover during the day, becoming more active near dusk, when they begin foraging, and they may remain active all night. Usually remaining in cover when foraging, where they skulk about, Painted Snipe rhythmically bob their heads downwards to probe the soft mud while they walk. When disturbed, Australian Painted Snipe usually remain motionless, and will not flush unless the observer is very close. When flushed, Painted Snipe fly a short distance, usually keeping low, with slow, erratic wing-beats and legs dangling behind. They are usually silent.
HABITAT
The Australian Painted Snipe inhabits many different types of shallow, brackish or freshwater terrestrial wetlands, especially temporary ones, which have muddy margins and small, low-lying islands. Suitable wetlands usually support a mosaic of low, patchy vegetation, as well as lignum and canegrass.
DISTRIBUTION
Endemic to Australia, where it has been recorded in all states, though only historically in Tasmania.
STATUS
- Vulnerable in Queensland
- Endangered in New South Wales
- Threatened in Victoria
- Rare in South Australia
- Rare or likely to become extinct in Western Australia
- Vulnerable in Northern Territory
- Vulnerable in EPBC Act
THREATS
The Australian Painted Snipe is threatened by the drainage of wetlands and the diversion of water from major rivers for irrigation, which prevents shallow wetlands from forming. A decline in the Kimberley Division of Western Australia has been linked with overgrazing and trampling by cattle.
MOVEMENTS
The movements of the Australian Painted Snipe are poorly understood. The species is possibly dispersive in response to the flooding and drying out of wetlands, and they are capable of travelling great distances. However, over 90% of all records are received between August and March, introducing a possible seasonal element into their pattern of movements; it is unknown where they generally occur outside these times.
DOWNLOADS
Australian Painted Snipe Online Survey Form
Australian Painted Snipe Paper Survey Form
Australian Painted Snipe Survey Instructions
Australian Painted Snipe Brochure (3.2mb)
Painted Snippets Vol 3 October 2009
Painted Snippets Vol 2 April 2006
Painted Snippets Vol 1 September 2002
EVENTS
Australian Painted Snipe survey dates:
12 Novemberr 2011
28 January 2012
Wetland birds of the Arid Lands; Marree Town Hall- 28 October 2011-10-19
download the flyer here
Wetland Birds of the Northern Murray; Banrock Station- 12 November 2011
download the flyer here
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