Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar-tailed_godwit
Overview
The bar-tailed godwit is a large and strongly migratory wader in the family Scolopacidae, which feeds on bristle-worms and shellfish on coastal mudflats and estuaries. It has distinctive red breeding plumage, long legs, and a long upturned bill. Bar-tailed godwits breed on Arctic coasts and tundra from Scandinavia to Alaska, and overwinter on coasts in temperate and tropical regions of Australia and New Zealand.
The migration of the subspecies Limosa lapponica baueri across the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to New Zealand is the longest known non-stop flight of any bird, and also the longest journey without pausing to feed by any animal. The round-trip migration for this subspecies is over 29,000 km (18,020 mi).
The Bar-tailed Godwit faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation of critical stopover sites along its extensive migratory routes, particularly in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Coastal development, land reclamation, and climate change impacts on tidal mudflats and estuarine environments have reduced the availability of suitable feeding and roosting areas essential for this long-distance migrant.
Habitat
Breeds in Arctic and subarctic tundra, wet meadows, and marshy areas across northern Eurasia and Alaska. During migration and winter, occupies intertidal mudflats, estuaries, coastal lagoons, sandy beaches, and occasionally inland wetlands and agricultural areas.
Other threatened species in Scolopacidae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bar-tailed Godwit classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Bar-tailed Godwit live?
What are the main threats to Bar-tailed Godwit?
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