Convervation status: Amber Latin nameLimosa lapponica FamilySandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae) OverviewA long-billed, long-legged wading bird which visits UK shores for the winter. Most usually seen in its grey-brown winter plumage, birds in spring may show their full rich chestnut breeding plumage. In flight it shows a white patch stretching from the rump up the back, narrowing to a point. It breeds in the Arctic of Scandinavia and Siberia and hundreds of thousands of them pass through the UK, on their way further south, or stop off here for the winter. Where to see themLargest numbers occur on large estuaries - the Wash, Thames, Ribble, Dee, Humber, Solway and Forth estuaries, and Lough Foyle for example. When to see themHighest numbers are seen here between November and February, with numbers starting to build in July and August and falling off in March and April. Small numbers of non-breeding birds can be seen throughout the summer. What they eatWorms, snails and insects. Estimated numbers| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
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| - | - | 38,000 birds | - |
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
- In the UK
- Most coastlines
- In Europe
- Scandinavia and coasts of western Europe
- Worldwide
- Europe, Asia, Africa, Asia and N America
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Sound: Patrik Aberg, Xeno-canto | Print page  Bar-tailed godwit  Bar-tailed godwit - winter-plumaged in flight  Bar-tailed godwit - breeding-plumaged male Similar birdsHelp the Bar-tailed godwitJoin today and help us continue our conservation work to keep these birds safe. |