Thinocoridae – Seedsnipe

The Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes), family is related to the waders, but sufficiently distinctive to merit its own family. The order Charadriiformes also includes Pluvianellidae (Magellanic Plover), Chionidae  (Sheathbills), Pluvianidae (Egyptian Plover), Burhinidae (Thick-knees & Stone Curlews), Recurvirostridae (Stilts & Avocets), Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers),  Ibidorhynchidae (Ibisbill), Charadriidae (Plovers & Lapwings), Pedionomidae (Plains Wanderer), Thinocoridae (Seedsnipes), Rostratulidae (Painted Snipe), Jacanidae (Jacanas), Scolopacidae (Sandpipers), Turnicidae (Buttonquails), Dromadidae (Crab-Plover), Glareolidae (Coursers & Pratincoles), Stercorariidae (Skuas), Alcidae (Auks) and Laridae (Gulls, Terns & Skimmers).

Least Seedsnipe Thinocorus rumicivorus – ©Dubi Shapiro

Thinocoridae are a small family of small gregarious waders, which have adapted to a herbivorous diet. The family is divided into two genera, Attagis and Thinocorus, each containing two species. The family has a South American distribution, in the Andean and Patagonian regions. Their relationships with other families within the order Charadriiformes is not entirely clear. It has been suggested that the Plains Wanderer of Australia, the jacanas and the painted snipes are their closest relatives. The Plains Wanderer in particular has a similar feeding ecology, although differs markedly in breeding biology. The family’s common name is misleading, as they do not resemble true snipe, having short bills on small heads, and seeds do not form a major part of their diet.

Grey-breasted Seedsnipe Thinocorus orbignyianus – ©Dubi Shapiro

They resemble grouse, quail and sandgrouse, only with long wings. The seedsnipes in the genus Thinocorus are smaller, ranging in size from a sparrow to a snipe, whereas the genus Attagis are larger, the size of a Ptarmigan. They have short legs (but long toes) and tails. The colour of their plumage is generally cryptic. There is some sexual dimorphism in the plumage of the Thinocorus species, the males have grey faces, necks and breasts.

Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe Attagis gayi – ©Dubi Shapiro

Seedsnipes inhabit a variety of harsh environments, including grasslands, grass steppes, semi-arid deserts and alpine habitats. One species, the Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe ranges up as far as to the snowline (5500 m).