Greater Painted Snipe found at Ebony Dam.

We spotted this Near-threatened species feeding on worms, insects, and crustaceans along the edge of the vegetated dam, and muddy areas. We distinguished it as the male with the pale breast harness and white eye-patch colourings on the bird. We carefully observed unique behavior by this bird's feeding habits. It detected prey, and bent the upper end of its mandible slightly upwards allowing for the the tip of the bill to open. This opening and closing of the bill sections means that the snipe is able to shift its prey along it's bill into it's mouth all without needing to open the bill along its entire length, or remove it from the mud.

Posted: Exeter Lodges by CC Africa, Date: 4 April 2008