Family SCOLOPACIDAE Rafinesque, 1815
Introduction
Scolopacidae are the largest family group within the Charadriiformes with 92 species in 23 genera. In Australia, 31 of the species are represented by 14 genera. Many of the species are migratory, arriving in Australia during the austral summer. Within the family, there are 149 ultrataxa, 32 of which have been represented at some time in Australia. They are large to small sized, all have long bills and the legs varying from short to long depending on body size. All have long, pointed wings useful in their long distance movements and rapid flight.
Scolopacids are cosmopolitan and all breed in the Northern Hemisphere. The snipe, godwits, sandpipers, curlews, and stints are aquatic or terrestrial feeders. They are widely distributed across the continent, preferring shallow wetlands, estuaries, mudflats, offshore islands and brackish water. Feeding is accomplished by probing mud for invertebrates or chasing miniscule flying invertebrates by running and pecking. Many are solitary or occur in large groups, these larger groups often gather prior to their northern migrations. The birds remain silent unless disturbed or when in groups, when many of the smaller species utter a series of low peeps. Larger species have loud diagnostic calls.
Scolopacids are not known to nest in Australia. In the Northern Hemisphere the nests are placed on the ground, either amongst low vegetation or between rocks. Many have a lining of local vegetation. Two, three or sometimes four eggs constitute a completed clutch. Each has a pale ochre or creamy yellow base colour and is spotted and blotched with shades of browns and greys.