Gallinago delicata
We have an abundanace of Wilson’s Snipe at the reserve but they are very difficult to get close to. They were previously considered to be the same species as the Eurasian common Snipe but in 2003 it was decided ,by at least some authorities, to seperate the New World species from the others and call it Wilson’s Snipe.
This bird is common throughout Argentina although the southern race migrates further north for winter.
The call is unusual and sounds like the low whirring of machinery. The bill is straight and very long, about 7cm, and it spends most of its time probing in mud for insects,worms and roots.
The bird measures about 25cm in length. The plumage is speckled brown and white on the back, wings and chest., with buffy striped across the back. Lower parts are white. There is a long pale supercilium and a pale malar whereas the eye has a dark stripe through it. The legs are short and greenish/yellow.
These birds are usually seen in flight with an alarm call as they always spot you first due to their excellent camoflage.
