BTGO
VU

BTGO

Limosa limosa

UnknownNTNPENAUNTEUNTEU

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.

Threat summary

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.

FRESHWATER· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is BTGO classified as Vulnerable?
BTGO is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. 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.
Where does BTGO live?
BTGO occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to BTGO?
The main threats to BTGO are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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