Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

Locally common Winter visitors in Britain of 43,000 birds around the coasts from August-April & declining migrants.

Breeds on open taiga & tundra areas of Siberia & Africa.

Also winters in mainland Europe.

In Breeding Adults the Females plumage is much duller than males, with a chestnut to cinnamon belly.

Winter birds are plain grey-brown with darker feather centres, giving them a striped look, and are whitish underneath.

Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but more buff overall with streaked plumages on flanks and breast.

They are distinguished from the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) by its black-and-white horizontally-barred tail, and lack of white wing bars. 

They have a upturned bill.