Belongs to: large waders

Compare with: black-tailed godwit

Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica

Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List


Best time to see: early Aug to end May

Key facts

Long-legged wader very much like black-tailed godwit but with slightly upturned bill

Habitat: estuaries, shores and freshwater margins

Common winter visitor; breeds in extreme N. Scandinavia

Recognition

Long black legs with upperparts chestnut all over; long slightly upturned bill; female has brown upperparts that appear tortoiseshell-patterned, white below

Feeds in small groups near water's edge; in flight shows no wingbar

Eats worms and molluscs

Lifecycle

Nest is a lined scrape on ground

1 Brood May-June; 4 eggs olive brown

  • Main photo

Photo © David Harrison