About Gallinago paraguaiae (Vieillot, 1816)
This species, Gallinago paraguaiae, commonly known as the Pantanal snipe, was first described by Vieillot in 1816. Adult Pantanal snipes measure 26 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) in total length. Males weigh approximately 105 to 140 g (3.7 to 4.9 oz), while females weigh between 115 and 185 g (4.1 to 6.5 oz). Females are slightly larger than males, but do not differ in other physical traits. Pantanal snipes have short greenish-gray legs and a very long, straight, dark bill. Their upperparts display a complex pattern of muted whitish, buffy, rufous, and black tones set against a brown base. Their breast and flanks are buff-colored with black markings, and the remaining portions of their underparts are whitish. Their face features tan and darker brown stripes that blend into one another. The Pantanal snipe occurs in nearly all mainland countries of South America. It is not found in Chile, and has only been recorded as a vagrant in Ecuador. The species is also present on Trinidad and the Falkland Islands, and is scarce across the Amazon Basin. It inhabits wet grassy savanna. Recorded elevation ranges for the species differ by location: it has been found up to 1,300 m (4,300 ft) in Venezuela, up to 2,200 m (7,200 ft) in Peru, and may reach up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) in Bolivia.
