Family ROSTRATULIDAE Mathews, 1913

Museums

Regional Maps

Introduction

This family of medium-sized birds comprises two genera: Nycticryphes, restricted to South America; and Rostratula, widely distributed from Africa and Asia to Australia. Two species are recognised currently for the Old World; the Australian rostratulids were separated recently following Baker et al. (2007). No subspecies are recognised. The group exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, with a reversal in the plumage of the sexes. All painted snipe are terrestrial, inhabiting marshland areas with shallow water, mudflats and a course vegetation cover.

In Australia rostratulids are widespread through northern areas and the eastern half of the continent and exhibit irregular seasonal movement patterns following rains. They are crepuscular or nocturnal in habits, taking small invertebrates gathered from the marshy environment, and are normally found in pairs or as singles, although on occasion they show gregarious tendencies. Their curious calls are loud-carrying and are issued by both sexes although the female has her own distinctive hollow-sounding call.

The nests are shallow, vegetation-lined cups hidden at the base of a clump of plants; they often have a canopy of local vegetation. Completed clutches comprise four pyriform eggs. Each egg has a cream-white or pale ochre base colour and is heavily marked by darker blotches and spots or dots, sometimes also bearing the occasional streaking.

History of changes