Godwits (Limosa)
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Four Godwits (Limosa), one an occasional visitor, make the North American list of Scolopacidae, or sandpipers.
Larger than the average sandpiper, the godwit's long, dual color bill also distinguishes it from other Scolopacidae species. Curlews, for example, show long bills that curve downward.
Two of the four North American godwit species, the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) and the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica), extend their range across the globe. The Bar-tailed North American presence gets limited to Alaska.
The Marbled-Godwit (Limosa fedoa) in the picture, perhaps the most widespread North American Godwit species, makes its home along the southern shore of eastern and western North America during winter.
Inland grass areas of the upper Mid-west and Canada serve as the Godwit's traditional breeding grounds. Population trends are unclear, however, loss of prairie grasslands for breeding remains a cause for concern.
During non-breeding season, Marbled Godwits display a somewhat calm demeanor. They often congregate in flocks.
© 2006-2011 Patricia A. Michaels