Black-tailed godwits are tall, elegant waders with long, straight bills and striking orange plumage during the breeding season.
In flight, look for their bold black and white wing pattern and long legs trailing behind. These graceful birds are a joy to watch and a reminder of the incredible journeys many migratory species undertake each year.
What does this bird’s call sound like?
They are highly sensitive to disturbance. If flushed too often, they will struggle to feed and rest, which can affect their energy reserves required to make the migration back to Iceland, ultimately risking their survival.
Did You Know?
Black-tailed godwits form monogamous mating pairs that can last for years. Each spring, the couples will arrive at their breeding grounds within a few days of each other!
Black-tailed godwits are social birds and often form large flocks when feeding, using their long bills to probe deep into soft mud for worms and aquatic invertebrates.
They migrate from Iceland to winter in the UK, with Langstone Harbour providing vital feeding and roosting grounds. Their presence at Langstone highlights the global importance of our local wetlands.
- Bird Aware Solent raises awareness of local migratory birds – click here
- Find out more about this bird at the BAS website – click here