Later today, I will be cruising down the highway toward Dillon, Montana to observe the spring spectacle of Greater Sage-Grouse displaying on the lek. The booms and the raspy wing scraps combined with the orange inflated air sacs and ornate head plumes make for quite a show. The males strut and posture awaiting the selection of a female. With all this pageantry. I got to thinking about the grouse of the South America (well, they are actually waders, but they behave like grouse), the seedsnipe.
In Peru, there are 3 species of seedsnipe belonging to 3 different genuses; Least Seedsnipe, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, and Gray-breasted Seedsnipe. I stand a reasonable chance at getting the Least Seedsnipe and outside odds at the other two.
The Least Seedsnipe inhabits grasslands and pasture throughout its range. Between 2000 and 4000 meters is the elevation range of the Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe. The Gray-breasted Seedsnipe is another bird of the temperate grasslands.
As I watch and appreciate the Greater Sage-Grouse, some corners of my mind will be occupied with the seedsnipes of Peru. In June, I will be going to Peru with Kolibri Expeditions. I encourage anyone who is interested to join me and Gunnar Engblom for this once in a lifetime adventure to the Manu region, one of the most bird species dense of the planet.
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