A medium-sized cinnamon-buff shorebird that performs one of the longest migrations of any bird — 25,000+ km annually across the Western Hemisphere.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The Hudsonian godwit is a large shorebird in the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. It is a long distance migratory species that breeds at remote sites in northern Canada and winters in southern South America. The genus name Limosa is from Latin and means "muddy", from limus, "mud". The specific haemastica is from Ancient Greek and means "bloody".The English term "godwit" is believed to imitate the bird's call.
Source: Wikipedia — Hudsonian godwit Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Large shorebird with a long, slightly upturned bicolored bill. Breeding adult rich chestnut below; all plumages show a black tail with a white base and black underwings in flight.
Similar species. Marbled Godwit is buff overall with cinnamon wings; the black-and-white tail and black wing linings are diagnostic for Hudsonian.
Voice. A high, soft 'toh-wit' or 'godwit'; generally quiet in migration.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Invertebrates probed from mud, sand, or shallow water.
Behavior. A long-distance migrant that breeds at scattered subarctic sites and winters in southern South America; performs one of the longest nonstop migratory flights of any shorebird.
§ Range
Across North America during migration; Arctic breeders
§ Habitat
Coastal mudflats, prairies during migration
§ Threats
Habitat loss along migration routes, climate change.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the hudsonian godwit is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support coastal protection. Reduce ocean plastic pollution.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Hudsonian godwit
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Limosa haemastica
- IUCN Red List — search for Limosa haemastica
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Limosa haemastica
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
