Greater Painted-snipe – When Females Take the Lead

If you take a quiet walk along Uganda’s wetlands, you may be lucky enough to spot the beautifully patterned Greater Painted-snipe. With its striking plumage, long down-curved bill, and bold white eye-stripe, this bird is a true gem of our marshes and swamps.

Unlike most bird species, it is the female Painted-snipe that is more brightly colored than the male. She takes the lead in courtship, while the male is responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks. This unusual role reversal makes the species particularly fascinating to birdwatchers and researchers alike.

The Greater Painted-snipe feeds on insects, worms, and small snails, playing an important role in maintaining wetland health. However, its survival is closely tied to the state of our wetlands. Wetland drainage, pollution, and encroachment continue to threaten the habitats these birds depend on.

At NatureUganda, we highlight such species to remind us of the rich biodiversity our wetlands support and the urgent need to protect them—not just for birds, but for the people who rely on wetlands for water, food, and climate resilience.

Next time you are near a swamp or flooded grassland, keep your eyes open—you might just see this shy but stunning bird.