What is the northernmost breeding range of Fuegian Snipe Gallinago stricklandii?

Abstract

Summary. Fuegian Snipe Gallinago stricklandii is a poorly known wader found in southern Chile and south-west Argentina, but knowledge of its distribution is still incomplete. Historical records suggest a breeding range between 48°S and 56°S in the Patagonian fjords, however especially few data are available for the north of its presumed distribution. Here we report two records of Fuegian Snipe during the breeding season at 46°S and 48°S. We captured two individuals at Ventisquero Jorge Montt (48°19'S) in early December 2021 (late spring), both with a dry and shrivelled incubation patch, usually indicative of a recently completed incubation period. We also report a photo record and displays at the río Exploradores (46°19'S, 73°24'W). These findings suggest that the northern limit of the species' breeding range extends to at least 46°S.