Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

Very rare & local breeder of 50-60 pairs in Britain on extensive wet meadows, locally common in Winter of 50,000 birds.

Also breeds in Iceland & Northern Europe.

The race 'islandica' occurs in Britain as a annual vagrant

Breeding Adults Males are brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head than Females.

Winter birds have a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts (in contrast to the Bar-tailed Godwit's streaked back).

Juveniles have a pale orange wash to the neck and breast.

Icelandic birds are brighter than the race 'Limosa'.

In flight, its bold black and white wings and white rump can be seen readily.

The most common call is a strident weeka weeka weeka.