Bar-tailed Godwit

1. Dramatic plumage change: dull grey-brown in winter, males turn bright rusty-red for breeding.

2. Long, slightly upturned bill with a pink base and black tip.

3. Distinctive barred tail visible during flight or when preening.

Bar-tailed godwits undertake the longest non-stop flight of any bird, flying from Alaska to New Zealand without rest. They arrive in September and depart in March. These birds face threats from habitat loss, particularly in their Yellow Sea stopover sites. Climate change may also impact their breeding grounds and migration patterns. At just four months old, juvenile bar-tailed godwits undergo their first migration on the Western rim of Alaska to New Zealand.

Bar-tailed godwits are common visitors to New Zealand's harbors, estuaries, and coastal mudflats. Look for them foraging at the water's edge during low tide, often in large flocks. Dawn and dusk are great times to spot them actively feeding. They're easily spooked, so approach slowly and use binoculars. Tip: Listen for their soft "ku-wew" calls to help locate them before you see them.

The Kuaka holds deep significance in Māori culture. It was seen as a bird of mystery, believed to accompany departing spirits. The saying "Kua kite te kohanga kuaka?" (Who has seen the nest of the kuaka?) reflects the godwit's distant breeding grounds, unknown to early Māori.