Feeding Ecology of Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii in the Lower Hunter Valley

Abstract

The feeding rate, feeding success and diet of Latham’s Snipe were studied in the lower Hunter Valley between October 1997 and February 1998. Feeding rate did not differ significantly between microhabitats, sites or over the course of the study. However, feeding success did differ significantly with greatest success being at Cedar Hill Swamp, in February and in water with sparse vegetation. The most commonly used foraging habitat was firm mud and the most commonly identified items in snipe faeces were Coleoptera adults and larvae and Diptera larvae.