Black-tailed godwit

The black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa) is a shore bird that is widespread in much of Europe and other parts of the world (including Australasia) but less so in the British Isles. It is found on the coasts of Germany, the Low Countries, Denmark and southern Sweden, and also Iceland and western France. Many birds winter in the Mediterranean region and Africa.

In Britain it is a rare breeder, its breeding grounds being mainly in East Anglia and Shetland. Some birds from northern Europe winter along the east and south coasts of England, and some can be seen on passage during the Autumn.


Appearance and behaviour

The black-tailed godwit is a large wader with a long straight bill that can reach 12 centimetres (nearly 5 inches) in length. From head to tail the bird is about 40 centimetres (15.5 inches) long. It has long legs on which it walks upright and which trail behind in flight.

The plumage, which is similar as between male and female black-tailed godwits, is very different in summer from that seen in winter. The summer plumage is chestnut on the head and breast, lighter and barred further down. The upperparts are mottled dark brown and red-buff, with the upper wings tending towards grey. The tail, not surprisingly, is black-tipped.

In winter all the chestnut and buff colouring disappears, to be replaced by grey-brown above and white below. The wings retain their dark edging and the black of the tail-tip becomes more evident.

The black-tailed godwit is a fast flyer with rapid wing-beats. It walks gracefully with the head held upright except when probing its bill into the mud for food. It will also wade up to its belly with the bill sweeping the shallows from side to side. It is a gregarious bird when feeding.

The black-tailed godwit feeds on insects, larvae, molluscs, worms, spiders and small crustaceans.


Breeding

Black-tailed godwits return to their breeding grounds in March or April, these being inland peat bogs, water meadows and areas adjacent to ponds and lakes. They arrive in small flocks, after which pairs form to stake out their nesting territory. The courtship flight consists of the male flying in circles above the nest site, displaying his tail feathers and emitting a loud call.

A nest is built in April or May, this being a shallow scrape in lush waterside vegetation. A clutch of four well-camouflaged eggs is laid and they are incubated by both partners in turn for around 24 days. Soon after hatching the chicks disperse and hide themselves in the surrounding vegetation. Only one brood is raised.

The black-tailed godwit was once a common breeding bird in the British Isles but breeding ceased in the early 19th century and only resumed in the mid 20th century. Breeding numbers are still very low, which is why the black-tailed godwit has red conservation status.

© John Welford