About Gallinago megala Swinhoe, 1861
Identification: As a Gallinago snipe, this species can be identified by its cryptically patterned plumage in black, brown, buff, and white. However, it is not easy to distinguish from Latham's snipe and pin-tailed snipe when observed in the field. In South Korea, this species is commonly called cho suekyung. Distribution: It breeds mainly in central and southern Siberia and Mongolia. The entire population is migratory, and spends the non-breeding season principally in eastern and southern India, Sri Lanka, south-eastern China, South-East Asia, and New Guinea. It has been recorded during migration in eastern China, and occurs occasionally in Japan. Records of the species in Australia come mainly from the Top End of the Northern Territory and north-western Western Australia. Habitat: Its breeding habitat consists of forest glades and meadows. Its non-breeding habitat includes various types of shallow freshwater wetlands, such as paddy fields and sewage farms. These habitats provide bare mud or shallow water for feeding, along with nearby vegetation cover. Food: Its diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, including earthworms, mollusks, and insects.
