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Coenocorypha is a genus of tiny birds, also known as the New Zealand snipes, which are found in the Outlying Islands of New Zealand. There are currently two widely accepted extant species, two extinct species and several subspecies, but the taxonomy of the genus is currently under debate and these subspecies have been raised to full species by some authors. One as yet undescribed species or subspecies was discovered off Campbell Island as recently as 1997. The genus once ranged from Fiji and New Caledonia, across New Zealand and down into New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands, but predation by introduced species has drastically declined their range.

Taxonomy and range
The Coenocorypha snipes resemble Gallinago snipes, although they much smaller, stockier and have shorter bills. Overall they have long bills and short necks, wings and tails. They measure between 19-24 cm long, with wingspans of between 28-35 cm, and weigh between 75-120 g. The smallest species is the Chatham Island Snipe. Their plumage is overall brown, most species have a dark eye stripe. The scapulars on the wings are mottled with some species having white tips.

Morphology

Behaviour
The Coenocorypha snipes are carnivorous, feeding on invertebrates found by probiing in the soil and in compacted vegetation. Smaller prey is swallowed with the bill still probed, as the mandibles are flexible and the prey can be manipulated in the soil. Larger prey items are removed from the soil for easier manipulating and swallowing. The most common prey items taken include earthworms, amphipods, beetle adults and larvae and the pupae of other insects.

Threats and conservation

Chatham Island Snipe Coenocorypha pusilla. Chatham Islands.
Auckland Island Snipe Coenocorypha (aucklandica) aucklandica. Auckland Islands.
† North Island Snipe Coenocorypha (aucklandica) barrierensis
Snares Island Snipe Coenocorypha (aucklandica) huegeli. Snares Islands.
† South Island Snipe Coenocorypha (aucklandica) iredalei
Antipodes Island Snipe Coenocorypha (aucklandica) meinertzhagenae. Antipodes Islands.
† Forbes' Snipe Coenocorypha chathamica
Campbell Island Snipe Coenocorypha sp.
† Viti Levu Snipe Coenocorypha miratropica
† New Caledonia Snipe Coenocorypha sp.
† Norfolk Island Snipe Coenocorypha sp.