Least seedsnipe

Thinocorus rumicivorus

Photo by Rob Nagtegaal (PBase)

Common name:
least seedsnipe (en); agachadeira-mirim (pt); thinocore de Patagonie (fr); agachona chica (es); zwerghöhenläufer (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Charadriiformes
Family Thinocoridae

Range:
This species is found breeding along the pacific coast of South America, from Ecuador to central Chile, and in southern Chile and Argentina down to Tierra del Fuego. Some birds migrate north or eastwards, wintering in Bolivia, northern Argentina and possibly also Uruguay and southern Brazil.

Size:
These birds are 16-19 cm long and weigh 50-60 g.

Habitat:
Least seedsnipes are found in temperate grasslands, pastures and alpine grasslands, from sea level up to an altitude of 3.700 m.

Diet:
They feed on the buds, leaves and seeds of various grasses.

Breeding:
the least seedsnipe breeds in August-February. They nest on the ground, in a crude scrape lined with moss and plant debris. The nest is often placed near a stone or dwarf scrub. There the female lays 4 eggs which are incubated for about 26 days. The chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching and are able to feed for themselves, following the parents until fledging, which takes place around 50 days after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is described as common. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats