Observations of Latham's Snipes at the Sengokubara Moor, Central Honshu

Abstract

Observations of Latham's Snipes Gallinago hardwickii were made at the Sengokubara Moor, Hakone, central Honshu, from 1975 through 1985. They were seen from early April to mid-September, occurring regularly from late April to mid-June. The numbers of birds counted varied from 0 to 6 individuals, usually 1 or 2. During my observations aerial display was seen only once, on 24 April 1979. The birds I observed seemed to be migrating or non-breeding, although they occur throughout the breeding season and had bred regularly in the highlands of central Honshu until about 30 years ago.