About the Black-tailed Godwit
The black-tailed godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is a member of the godwit genus, Limosa. There are four subspecies, all with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The black-tailed godwit is a large wader with long bill (7.5 to 12 cm (3.0 to 4.7 in) long), neck and legs. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip; the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar, but in breeding plumage, they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In winter, adult black-tailed godwits have a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts (in contrast to the bar-tailed godwit's streaked back).
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Black-tailed Godwit sounds like
Where the Black-tailed Godwit lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Canada, Benin, Libya, Lebanon, Micronesia, Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Macao SAR China, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands.
When to see the Black-tailed Godwit
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Marbled GodwitLimosa fedoaThe total length is 40–50 cm (16–20 in), including a large bill of 8–13 cm (3.1–5.1 in), and wingspan is 70–88 cm (28–35 in).
Bar-tailed GodwitLimosa lapponicaThe bar-tailed godwit is a relatively short-legged species of godwit.
Hudsonian GodwitLimosa haemasticaAdults have long dark legs and a long pink bill with a slight upward curve and dark at the tip.
Side by side: Black-tailed Godwit vs Marbled Godwit · Bar-tailed Godwit vs Black-tailed Godwit · Black-tailed Godwit vs Hudsonian Godwit
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