Abstract
At present, the various field guides in the region provide confusing and contradictory with regard to field marks that differentiate the South American Snipe (Gallinago paraguaiae) and the Puna Snipe (Gallinago andina). These guides consider that their allopatric condition is sufficient for identification. In this paper, we review skins of South American Snipe deposited in museum collections, perform morphometric analyses of these specimens, report field observations, and present high-quality photographs and vocalizations in order to determine similarities and differences between the two species. In addition, we report the observation of a specimen of Gallinago sp. that is difficult to identify due to its morphometric characteristics, its geographical distribution and the altitude at which it was observed. In conclusion, this work provides important information as it determines the relevant characteristics that allow the identification of the South American Snipe and the Puna Snipe in the field.
References
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