A medium-sized wading bird characterized by its long, straight bill and cryptic brown-mottled plumage, enabling excellent camouflage in wetland environments across Europe, Asia, and North America.
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ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Wet grasslands, marshes, moorlands, boggy areas, and coastal wetlands with shallow water and dense vegetation, typically at elevations ranging from sea level to 3,000 meters.
Ecological Role
Critical ecosystem indicator species for wetland health, controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger predators, contributing to biodiversity and nutrient cycling in wetland ecosystems.
Morphology
SKIN COATDense, waterproof feather layer with intricate brown and black mottling providing excellent ground camouflage
LIMBS WINGSLong, slender legs adapted for wading, wingspan of 39-45 cm, wings pointed and streamlined for efficient migration
HEAD SENSORYLarge eyes positioned high on head, extremely long bill (6-7 cm) with sensitive nerve endings for probing mud and detecting invertebrate prey
BODY STRUCTURECompact body, approximately 25-27 cm in length, weighing 80-140 grams, with camouflage-patterned brown and black plumage
