About Attagis gayi I.Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire & R.Lesson, 1831
The rufous-bellied seedsnipe (Attagis gayi) measures 27 to 30 cm (11 to 12 in) in length and weighs approximately 280 to 400 g (9.9 to 14 oz). Males and females have identical plumage. The nominate subspecies A. g. gayi has intricate rufous-brown and blackish scalloped patterns on its upperparts, and plain pale pinkish cinnamon underparts. Subspecies A. g. latrelillii has deeper rufous cinnamon coloring on the vent area than the nominate, and a scalloped breast. Subspecies A. g. simonsi has darker pinkish cinnamon breast plumage than the nominate, and is paler on the upperparts with finer markings. Juveniles look very similar to adults, but have slightly finer markings on their upperparts.
Three subspecies of rufous-bellied seedsnipe have distinct distribution ranges. Subspecies A. g. latrelillii is geographically separated from the other two subspecies, and occurs only on seven high volcanoes in north-central Ecuador. A. g. simonsi ranges from central Peru south through northern Chile and western Bolivia to northwestern Argentina. The nominate subspecies A. g. gayi ranges from north-central Chile and west-central Argentina south almost to Tierra del Fuego.
The species inhabits alpine terrain in the Andes, often reaching elevations as high as the snow line. It most commonly occurs in boggy and other moist areas, but can also be found in drier, rockier landscapes. Subspecies A. g. latrelillii typically lives in páramo habitat. Across the northern half of the species' total range, it is mostly found between 4,000 and 5,500 m (13,100 and 18,000 ft) elevation. Further south, it occurs at elevations as low as 2,000 m (6,600 ft), and in the extreme southern part of its range it can be found as low as 1,000 m (3,300 ft).
