The greater painted-snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) is a species of wader found in a variety of wetland habitats, including swamps and the edges of larger water bodies such as lakes and rivers.
This species is sexually dimorphic with the female being larger and more brightly coloured than the male. Was Happy to get them together.
The female is normally polyandrous with the males incubating the eggs and caring for the young. They are rather shy and retiring, skulking close to the vegetation so that they can retreat to cover if disturbed.
Shot in Coorg Outskirts, Nikon Gears, Feb 2026 © Dr.Bishan Monnappa
This bird is one of that rare exception in the world of birds were the female is prettier than the males.
In most bird species the males are handsome, while the females are dry & drab.
In this species, since the role of the female us only to attract mates & lay eggs , she has developed a pretty attire.
The house keeping role has got switched & the males are left with the eggs which he lovingly cares for, hatches them & raises the chicks till they are fully grown.