General Description

Upper body mottled dark brown and white. Underparts white with dark streaks on the breast and on the side of the body toward the rear. Curved white stripe above the eye and black stripe through the eye. Bill narrow and dark brown. Tail with white edge. Body up to 27 cm long.

Biology

Latham's Snipes migrate from Japan where they breed, to Victoria in summer. They arrive in late August and depart in February. They are crepuscular, being active at dawn and dusk.

Habitat

Freshwater wetlands and swamps.

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Japan, Russia and eastern Australia.

Species Group

Birds › Sandpipers and curlews

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)

Water Column

Above surface

Max Size

27 cm

Diet

Omnivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Near Threatened
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Least Concern