Black-tailed Godwit – Limosa limosa
Black-tailed Godwit Hunter River, Hunter Region NSW
Godwit Comparison: Bar-tailed Godwit on left and Black-tailed Godwits, Hunter River, Hunter Region NSW
Bar-tailed Godwits are a larger bird with a more defined lighter pattern and a slightly upturned bill.
However size can be confusing, both these birds are Black-tailed Godwits, Hunter River, Hunter Region NSW
Black-tailed Godwits are very apparent when they raise their wings or fly although if they are roosting the white base on the rump helps identify them
Note the black tail, white rump and white under the wings with a white band on the top of the wings.
There is a Bar-tailed Godwit in this group (along with Red-necked Avocets).
Note the slightly upturned bill of the Bar-tailed Godwit which is not as upturned as the Red-necked Avocets.
The Black-tailed Godwits have a straight bill.
A group of Black-tailed Godwits, Hunter River, Hunter Region NSW
Black-Tailed Godwit in breeding colours and putting on body fat for their migration in April, Hunter River, Hunter Region NSW
Black-Tailed Godwit in breeding colours and putting on body fat for their migration in April, Hunter River, Hunter Region NSW
Black-Tailed Godwits in breeding colours and putting on body fat for their migration in April
Black-Tailed Godwits in breeding colours and putting on body fat for their migration in April, Hunter River, Hunter Region NSW