How to identify the Bar-tailed Godwit

To correctly identify the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

37-41 cm (14.6-16.1 in)

Wingspan

70-82 cm (27.6-32.3 in)

Weight

Males: 190-400 g (6.7-14.1 oz), Females: 260-630 g (9.2-22.2 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Non-breeding adults are grey-brown above, with fine streaking on the crown and nape, and a pale supercilium. Underparts are whitish, often with faint streaking on the breast and flanks. The rump is white, and the tail is barred dark brown and white. Breeding males develop rich brick-red to chestnut plumage on the head, neck, breast, and belly, with dark barring on the flanks. The back becomes mottled dark brown and rufous. Breeding females are similar but duller, with less extensive and paler rufous coloration, often with more streaking on the breast and flanks.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Long, slender, slightly upturned bill, pinkish at the base and dark towards the tip.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey to blackish.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Long, slightly upturned bill; white rump and barred tail (visible in flight); lack of a distinct white wing-bar (unlike Black-tailed Godwit); in breeding plumage, extensive brick-red underparts.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have a more buff or yellowish wash to the head, neck, and breast, and often have neat pale fringes to the upperpart feathers, giving a scaly appearance. The bill is shorter and straighter than adults.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Dramatic change from drab grey-brown non-breeding plumage to vibrant brick-red breeding plumage, particularly in males. Females also show rufous tones but are less intense.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males are generally smaller and develop more intense and extensive brick-red plumage during the breeding season compared to females, which are larger and duller.

Key field marks

• Bill Shape. Look for a long, slender bill that is distinctly (though sometimes subtly) upturned. Pinkish at the base, dark at the tip.
• Rump and Tail. In flight, observe the white rump contrasting with a dark-barred tail. This is a key differentiator from the Black-tailed Godwit (all black tail) and Hudsonian Godwit (black tail).
• Plumage (Breeding). Males in breeding plumage are unmistakable with their extensive, rich brick-red coloration on the head, neck, breast, and belly. Females are similar but duller.
• Plumage (Non-breeding). Non-breeding birds are grey-brown above and whitish below. Look for the pale supercilium and fine streaking on the breast and flanks.
• Lack of Wing-bar. Unlike the Black-tailed Godwit, the Bar-tailed Godwit lacks a prominent white wing-bar in flight, though a faint pale trailing edge to the wing may be visible.
• Size and Structure. A medium-large shorebird with relatively short legs for a godwit, giving it a somewhat stockier appearance than the Black-tailed Godwit.

Explore the Bar-tailed Godwit