How to identify the Black-tailed Godwit

To correctly identify the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), 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

36-44 cm (14-17 in)

Wingspan

62-82 cm (24-32 in)

Weight

160-500 g (5.6-17.6 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Breeding adults have a rich rufous-chestnut head, neck, and breast, fading to barred flanks and a white belly. The back is mottled brown. In flight, a broad white wing-bar and a distinctive black tail with a white base are prominent. Non-breeding plumage is duller, mostly grey-brown above and whitish below. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have a buff wash on the breast and flanks.

2. 2

   Beak shape

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

   Long, straight, or 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.

   Long, dark grey to blackish legs, trailing well beyond the tail in flight.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Long legs and bill, broad white wing-bar, and black tail with white base in flight. The rufous breeding plumage is also a key feature.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have a buffy wash on the head, neck, and breast, and often have more distinct scaling on the upperparts.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Dramatic change from dull grey-brown non-breeding plumage to vibrant rufous-chestnut breeding plumage. The white wing-bar and black tail are consistent in all plumages.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males in breeding plumage are typically brighter and more extensively rufous than females, especially on the head and breast. Females are often slightly larger and heavier.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Look for a large, elegant wader with very long legs and a very long, straight or slightly upturned bill.
• Flight Pattern. Observe its strong, direct flight. Crucially, look for the broad white wing-bar and the striking black tail with a white base, which are diagnostic in flight.
• Breeding Plumage. In spring and summer, identify the rich rufous-chestnut on the head, neck, and breast, contrasting with the mottled brown back and barred flanks.
• Non-breeding Plumage. In autumn and winter, look for a plainer grey-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, but still note the long bill and legs, and the flight pattern.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its distinctive 'grutto' call or the bubbling display song during the breeding season.
• Feeding Behavior. Watch for its characteristic deep probing in soft mud or shallow water with its long bill.

Explore the Black-tailed Godwit