- Gallinago nobilis
Identification
30-32.5 cm. Its upperparts, head and neck are streaked and patterned with dark brown and buff, and gold edges to the feathers form distinct lines down its back. White belly with brown barring on the flanks. The horn-coloured bill is very long and straight. The legs and feet are greyish-green. The sexes are similar, but females are longer billed; immature birds differ only in showing pale fringes on the wing coverts.
Distribution
Andes of Colombia to southwestern Venezuela, Ecuador, and northern Peru.
Taxonomy
A monotypic species.
Habitat
High altitude wet grassland marshes and swamps.
Behaviour
It forages by pushing its long bill deep into the mud seeking insects and worms. Its plumage provides effective camouflage when the bird stands motionless amongst marsh vegetation.
