The Bar-Tailed Godwit — Limosa Lapponica (Linnæus)
On migration this species visits us in fair numbers, being found on low sandy shores and sheltered estuaries. A few remain throughout the winter, but by far the larger number pass on to Africa after a short sojourn. In May there is a return migration, especially along the east coast, the birds being then in full nuptial plumage.
It breeds in the northern portions of Europe, and in winter it is found throughout Southern Europe as well as in Africa. The note is a loud “louey, louey.”
In autumn the sexes are alike, and the general colour is brownish grey above and white below. The tail feathers are brown with no bars, but the tail coverts are barred at all seasons.
The young have a shorter beak than the adults, and are brown chequered with buffish above and dull buff below. The tail feathers are broadly barred.
In spring the male has the back blackish with tawny markings, the head and neck chestnut with dark streaks. Whole of the under parts deep chestnut, the sides of the breast spotted with brownish black. Rump white. Tail whitish with brown bars. Length 15·5 in.; bill 2·25 in.; wing 8 in. The female is much larger and has very little of the ruddy tint.