Black-tailed Godwit, a Native Rare bird in New Zealand

Distribution Map

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

NativeStatus

RareRarity

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Species Description

The Black-tailed godwit is a rare visitor to New Zealand's shores. This large, elegant wader stands out with its long legs and distinctive straight bill. While similar to its more common cousin, the bar-tailed godwit, it's a special treat for Kiwi bird watchers lucky enough to spot one.

Fun Facts

The black-tailed godwit is the national bird of the Netherlands, where it's known as the "king of the meadows.

1. Breeding plumage: Bright orange head, neck, and chest in summer; grey-brown in winter.

2. Distinctive black tail and white rump visible during flight.

3. Long, straight bill with pink base and black tip.

Black-tailed godwits are long-distance migrants, breeding in Asia and visiting New Zealand in small numbers. They probe mudflats for marine worms and shellfish. Some individuals may stay in New Zealand year-round, occasionally displaying breeding plumage during the southern summer, though they don't breed in New Zealand.

In New Zealand, black-tailed godwits are extremely rare, with usually only 1-2 birds spotted annually. Look for them in coastal areas where bar-tailed godwits gather, such as estuaries and mudflats. They're often seen with pied stilts or alone. Dawn and dusk are good times to search, as they'll be actively feeding. Tip: Carefully scan pied-stilt flocka and occasionally bar-tailed godwit flocks \- a black-tailed godwit might be hiding among them\!