Species Profile
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica
Bar-tailed Godwit (breeding plumage)
Quick Facts
Conservation
NTNear ThreatenedAlso known as: Kuaka, Pacific Bar-tailed Godwit
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Appearance
The Bar-tailed Godwit is a large shorebird with a long, slightly upturned bill. In breeding plumage, males display rich chestnut-red underparts, while females are paler with mottled brown colouration. Both sexes have a distinctive barred tail, giving the species its name.
Non-breeding adults are predominantly grey-brown above and white below, with females appearing larger and paler than males. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have buff-tinged upperparts and a shorter bill.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Pink
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Bar-tailed Godwits inhabit coastal areas, including mudflats, estuaries, and sandy beaches across their vast range. They breed in Arctic tundra regions of Alaska, Scandinavia, and Siberia.
During non-breeding seasons, they migrate to coastal areas in temperate and tropical regions. Significant populations can be found in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and parts of Western Europe, including the UK.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Scotland
Cornwall
Devon
Dorset
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
Kent
Merseyside
Lincolnshire
Northumberland
Norfolk
North Yorkshire
Suffolk
Diet
Bar-tailed Godwits primarily feed on invertebrates such as worms, molluscs, and crustaceans. They use their long, sensitive bills to probe deep into mud or sand, often feeding in rhythm with the tides.
During the breeding season, they may also consume berries and insects.
Behaviour
Bar-tailed Godwits are known for their incredible long-distance migrations, flying non-stop for up to nine days. They forage by probing their long bills deep into mud or sand, often in large flocks.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract mates.
Calls & Sounds
Bar-tailed Godwits have a variety of calls, including a soft, piping 'ku-wee' or 'ku-wee-wee' often heard in flight.
During the breeding season, males produce a series of rapid, descending notes as part of their display, sounding like 'tu-tu-tu-tu-tu'.
Nesting & Breeding
Bar-tailed Godwits form monogamous pairs each breeding season, typically arriving on Arctic breeding grounds in late May or early June. Males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract females.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often lined with lichen or leaves. Females usually lay four olive-green eggs with dark spots. Both parents share incubation duties.
The incubation period lasts about 20-21 days. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching. They fledge after 28-30 days, quickly preparing for their first long-distance migration.
Conservation
While currently listed as Near Threatened Globally, Bar-tailed Godwits face threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key stopover sites along their migration routes and preserving breeding grounds in the Arctic. In Europe, Bar-tailed Godwits are listed as Least Concern.
Elevation
Sea level to 440 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include Arctic foxes, skuas, and large gulls on breeding grounds, while falcons and other raptors may prey on them during migration.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Bar-tailed Godwits on coastal mudflats and estuaries during migration seasons.
- Observe their distinctive feeding behaviour, probing deeply into the mud with their long bills.
- Listen for their soft, piping calls, especially when in flight.
- In the UK and New Zealand, watch for large flocks during spring and autumn migrations.
Did You Know?
- Bar-tailed Godwits hold the record for the longest non-stop flight of any land bird, flying up to 11,000 km in one go.
- They can double their body weight before migration, storing fat for their long journey.
- Their long bills can change length seasonally, growing longer in winter for probing deeper into mud.
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