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Latin name

Limosa limosa

Family

Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)

Overview

The black-tailed godwit is a large wading bird with a very long straight bill and long legs. In flight it shows a white wing-stripe and a black and white tail. It has suffered a large breeding population decline in the past and is now a rare breeder. It is a summer visitor to its breeding grounds, wintering in Africa. Birds from northern Europe spend the winter on UK coasts.

Where to see them

Black-tailed godwits are best looked for away from their breeding grounds, as they are easier to see. Look for them in autumn and winter at RSPB coastal reserves

When to see them

All year round

What they eat

Insects, worms and snails

Estimated numbers

* 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

Breeds mainly in East Anglia and also Shetland; winters mainly along south and east coasts of England

In Europe

West and central Europe, and Iceland

Worldwide

Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

• Identification
• Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

3 illustrations 123

Winter plumage

Black-tailed godwit in flight

Summer plumage

Similar birds

Bar-tailed godwit