Bar-tailed Godwit

Informazioni

The Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) is a large, long-legged, and long-billed shorebird, renowned for its extraordinary non-stop migratory flights. It is a highly social species, often seen in large flocks, particularly during migration and in wintering grounds. Its distinctive upturned bill and barred tail are key identification features.

Dimensioni e longevità

Lunghezza

37-41 cm

Apertura alare

70-82 cm

Peso

230-450 g (males), 300-600 g (females)

Longevità

Up to 20 years in the wild

Dieta

Carnivore (invertebrates)

Caratteristiche fisiche

Piumaggio

Non-breeding plumage is predominantly grey-brown above, with white underparts and a streaked breast. Breeding plumage is striking, with rich rufous-chestnut on the head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with dark brown upperparts. The rump is white, and the tail is distinctly barred with dark brown and white.

Forma del becco

Long (9-12 cm), slightly upturned, bicolored bill; pinkish at the base, darkening to black towards the tip.

Colore degli occhi

Dark brown.

Colore delle zampe

Dark grey to blackish.

Caratteristiche distintive

Long, slightly upturned bicolored bill, white rump, and distinctly barred tail (hence 'bar-tailed'). In flight, shows no prominent wing-bar, unlike the Black-tailed Godwit.

Aspetto giovanile

Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have a more buffish wash on the head, neck, and breast, and often show fine barring on the flanks. The upperparts have a scaly appearance due to pale feather fringes.

Cambiamenti stagionali

Dramatic change from dull grey-brown non-breeding plumage to vibrant rufous breeding plumage. The rufous coloration is most intense in males during the breeding season.

Dimorfismo sessuale

Males in breeding plumage are more intensely rufous than females, which tend to be paler and often retain some grey on the belly. Females are also generally larger and heavier, with a longer bill.

Come identificare

1. 1

   Bill Shape and Color

   Look for a long, slightly upturned bill that is pinkish at the base and dark towards the tip. This bicolored appearance is distinctive.

2. 2

   Tail Pattern

   The tail is distinctly barred with dark brown and white, especially visible in flight or when the bird preens. This is a key differentiator from the Black-tailed Godwit.

3. 3

   Rump Color

   A pure white rump is visible in flight, contrasting with the barred tail.

4. 4

   Plumage (Breeding vs. Non-breeding)

   In spring/summer, look for the rich rufous-chestnut on the head, neck, and underparts. In autumn/winter, it will be a duller grey-brown. Note the extent of rufous on the belly for sexing.

5. 5

   Absence of Wing-bar

   Crucially, in flight, the Bar-tailed Godwit lacks the prominent white wing-bar seen in the Black-tailed Godwit.

6. 6

   Size and Structure

   A large shorebird with relatively short legs for a godwit, giving it a somewhat 'stocky' appearance compared to the more elegant Black-tailed Godwit.

Habitat e areale

Biomi

Tundra, coastal wetlands, estuaries, mudflats, sandy beaches, saltmarshes.

Areale geografico

Breeds in Arctic tundra across northern Europe, Asia, and Alaska. Winters on coasts of Western Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.

Fascia altitudinale

Primarily sea level to low elevations in coastal and tundra environments.

Ambienti preferiti

During breeding, prefers wet tundra with sedges and mosses. During migration and winter, favors intertidal mudflats, estuaries, and sheltered coastal areas rich in invertebrate prey.

Comportamento

Periodo di attività

Diurnal, primarily feeding during low tide periods in coastal areas.

Abitudini alimentari

Probes deeply into soft mud or sand with its long bill, using tactile receptors to locate worms, mollusks, and crustaceans. Also takes insects and their larvae on breeding grounds. Feeds individually or in loose flocks.

Comportamento sociale

Highly gregarious, forming large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands. Can be territorial on breeding grounds.

Tipo di volo

Strong, direct, and purposeful flight, often in V-formations or long lines during migration. Wingbeats are steady and powerful. Known for sustained, long-distance flights.

Migrazione

One of the most impressive migratory birds, undertaking some of the longest non-stop flights of any bird. Alaskan breeders migrate non-stop to New Zealand (up to 11,000 km). European and Asian populations also undertake long-distance migrations to their wintering grounds.

Territorialità

Males establish and defend small territories on the breeding grounds, primarily around the nest site. Less territorial on wintering grounds.

Riproduzione

Stagione riproduttiva

Late May to July.

Abitudini di nidificazione

Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground, often lined with moss, lichens, and leaves, typically in open tundra or boggy areas, sometimes near water. Nests are well-camouflaged.

Dimensione della covata

Usually 4 eggs.

Descrizione dell'uovo

Typically 4 eggs, olive-green to brownish-olive, heavily blotched and spotted with dark brown or black. Pyriform (pear-shaped).

Periodo di incubazione

20-22 days, primarily by the female, though both parents may share duties.

Periodo di involo

28-31 days. Chicks are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching.

Cure parentali

Both parents care for the young, but the female often departs before the young fledge, leaving the male to complete parental duties.

Dove trovarlo

Consigli sul campo

1. Tide Watching. Bar-tailed Godwits are most active and visible during low tide when mudflats are exposed for feeding. Plan your visits to coastal areas accordingly.
2. Scan Large Flocks. They often associate with other large waders. Carefully scan mixed flocks for their distinctive bill, tail, and plumage characteristics.
3. Listen for Calls. Their 'kew-kew' or 'kit' calls can help locate them, especially in foggy conditions or when they are flying overhead.
4. Observe Feeding Behavior. Watch for their characteristic deep probing action with their long bills in soft substrates.

Specie simili

Fatti rapidi

Record Holder:

Holds the record for the longest non-stop migratory flight of any bird (Alaskan population to New Zealand).

Bill Type:

Long, slightly upturned, bicolored bill.

Tail Pattern:

Distinctly barred tail.

Sociality:

Highly gregarious outside breeding season.

Diet:

Primarily marine invertebrates.

Curiosità

• The Bar-tailed Godwit's epic non-stop migration from Alaska to New Zealand covers approximately 11,000 kilometers (6,800 miles) and can take up to 8-9 days, during which the bird does not stop to feed or drink.
• Before their long migrations, Bar-tailed Godwits undergo a remarkable physiological transformation, increasing their body mass by up to 50% through fat deposition and even shrinking some internal organs to reduce weight.
• There are several recognized subspecies, with Limosa lapponica baueri (Alaskan/East Asian breeders) and Limosa lapponica menzbieri (Siberian breeders) being particularly known for their extreme migratory feats.
• The species name 'lapponica' refers to Lapland, where the species was first described, although its breeding range extends much further across the Arctic.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Classe

Aves

Ordine

Charadriiformes

Famiglia

Scolopacidae

Genere

Limosa

Specie

Limosa lapponica

Esplora Bar-tailed Godwit