Image via Macaulay Library
Greater Painted-Snipe
- Scientific name
- Rostratula benghalensis
- Family
- Rostratulidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Wetland marsh
- Wing shape
- Broad
- Tail shape
- Rounded
Where it came from
The Greater Painted-Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) is a distinctive wader belonging to the family Rostratulidae. It evolved as a specialized ground-nesting species, thriving in the marshes and wetlands across Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Its evolutionary history is marked by a unique reversal of traditional avian gender roles, where females are more brightly colored and larger than males, a trait that developed as an adaptation to their polyandrous mating system.
The species was first formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Its design—characterized by broad, rounded wings and striking plumage patterns—serves as an effective camouflage within the reeds and grasses of its habitat. Ornithologists have long noted the species for its elusive nature and its specific reliance on shallow, muddy wetlands, which dictates its distribution and makes it a significant subject of study for wetland biodiversity and habitat conservation efforts.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Greater Painted-Snipe
Greater Painted-Snipe is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Greater Painted-Snipe on collecto.rs?
Greater Painted-Snipe doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Greater Painted-Snipe?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Greater Painted-Snipe catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Greater Painted-Snipe is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
