### Identification The Bar-tailed Godwit is a masterclass in understated elegance. Standing about 37–41 cm tall, this large wader is defined by its long, slightly upturned bill—dusky at the tip with a fleshy pink base. In non-breeding plumage, look for a streaky, grey-brown bird with a pale "eyebrow" (supercilium). However, the breeding male is a revelation, transforming into a rich, saturated brick-red from throat to vent.
Field Mark Tip:
To distinguish it from the similar Black-tailed Godwit, look at the wings and tail. The Bar-tailed lacks bold white wing bars in flight and, crucially, features a finely barred brown-and-white tail rather than a solid black one.
### Habitat & Range This species is a true global nomad. They breed in the high Arctic tundra of Siberia and Alaska, nesting in damp, mossy depressions. However, they spend most of their lives on coastal mudflats, estuaries, and sandy beaches across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australasia. They are rarely found inland; if you see a godwit on a freshwater marsh, it’s likely the Black-tailed variety.
### Behaviour Observed on a shoreline, Bar-tailed Godwits are gregarious and active. You’ll see them in tight-knit flocks, often following the tide line. Their feeding style is distinctive: a rapid, rhythmic "sewing machine" probing of the mud. They are generally wary but peaceful, often roosting in large, shimmering "carpets" during high tide.
### Diet Their diet is dictated by the mud. Using their sensitive bill tips, they hunt for polychaete worms, small mollusks, and crustaceans hidden beneath the surface. During the breeding season, they pivot to terrestrial fare, including insects and occasionally berries.
### Fascinating Fact The Bar-tailed Godwit is the undisputed marathon champion of the animal kingdom. One tracked individual flew non-stop from Alaska to New Zealand—a distance of over 12,000 kilometres—in just 11 days without once stopping to eat, drink, or sleep. It is the longest recorded non-stop flight of any bird!