Black-tailed Godwit

Sandpipers, Snipes 👁 173 views Updated 2026-11-01

Black-tailed Godwit (<em>Limosa limosa</em>) is a species of Sandpipers, Snipes (<em>Scolopacidae</em>) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids.

Overview

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a species of Sandpipers, Snipes (Scolopacidae) in the order Shorebirds, Gulls and Alcids. A long-billed wader with a white wing bar and black tail band; performs graceful tumbling display flights; breeds in wet meadows, declining with drainage; a flagship of European meadow conservation.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Limosa; binomial: Limosa limosa; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 40-45cm. Average lifespan: 10-15 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Palearctic. Non-breeding range: AF, OR, AU : coastal and inland temperate to tropical wetlands: s British Isles, s Europe, Macaronesia (nw of n Africa; scarce), Africa (except s), Middle East, s, se Asia, Indonesian Arch., s New Guinea, Australia; Ryukyu Is. (=Nansei Shoto, s Japan), Taiwan, se China and Philippines.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.

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