The Imperial Snipe is an elusive bird of the high Andes. It is found in humid forests, highland grasslands, and wetlands.
It has a long bill. The upperparts, throat, and breast are rufous with black bars; the belly and undertail are white with dark streaks.
It is usually solitary and mainly active at dawn, dusk, or night. It forages in the moss layer of dwarf forest and open páramo.
At dawn or dusk, it flies in high circles and dives, making a drumming sound as its tail feathers vibrate.
IUCN Red List · Near Threatened (NT) · Global