Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosa
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-tailed_godwit
Overview
The black-tailed godwit is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is a member of the godwit genus, Limosa. There are four subspecies, all with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive black and white wingbar at all times.
The Black-tailed Godwit faces significant population declines across much of its range due to widespread habitat loss and degradation of wetland ecosystems. Agricultural intensification has eliminated crucial breeding and feeding areas, while climate change alters the timing and availability of food resources during migration and breeding seasons.
Habitat
Breeds in wet grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields with short vegetation near water bodies. During migration and winter, occupies coastal mudflats, estuaries, saltmarshes, and inland wetlands including rice fields and shallow freshwater lakes.
Other threatened species in Scolopacidae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Black-tailed Godwit classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Black-tailed Godwit live?
What are the main threats to Black-tailed Godwit?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.