Madagascar Snipe

Gallinago macrodactyla

Madagascar Snipe (Gallinago macrodactyla) — Shorebirds, Gulls & Auks of Africa.

The Madagascar Snipe (Gallinago macrodactyla) is a member of the Scolopacidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 216 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

VU Vulnerable

Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Charadriiformes
Family Scolopacidae Sandpipers, Snipes
Genus Gallinago
Species macrodactyla

Where it lives

Wetlands of eastern Madagascar

Africa

Quick facts

Weight: 216 g
Diet: Aquatic hunters
Family: Scolopacidae
Order: Charadriiformes
Habitat: Wetland, lake & coast

How to identify

Similar birds

Near Threatened

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Madagascar Snipe hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Behaviour

A bird of wetlands, it forages mainly on the ground.

Migration

The Madagascar Snipe is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

The Madagascar Snipe (Gallinago macrodactyla) is a species of bird in the Scolopacidae family, part of the order Charadriiformes. It occurs naturally across Africa. Its distribution covers AF wetlands of e Madagascar.

It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 216 g, with a wing length of about 13.4 cm and a tail of around 5.8 cm.

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.

Its mapped global range covers an estimated 220,000 km².

Songs & calls

Madagascar Snipe — Flight call

Recorded by Ken Behrens Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Madagascar Snipe?

The Madagascar Snipe is a large bird that weighs around 216 g.

Where does the Madagascar Snipe live?

The Madagascar Snipe is found across Africa with a range covering AF wetlands of e Madagascar, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.

What family does the Madagascar Snipe belong to?

The Madagascar Snipe (Gallinago macrodactyla) belongs to the Scolopacidae family, in the order Charadriiformes.

What does the Madagascar Snipe eat?

The Madagascar Snipe hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Does the Madagascar Snipe migrate?

The Madagascar Snipe is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

Is the Madagascar Snipe endangered?

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.

What sound does the Madagascar Snipe make?

1 real field recording of the Madagascar Snipe — including its flight call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.

How large is the Madagascar Snipe's range?

The Madagascar Snipe has a mapped global range of about 220,000 km².