The Black-Tailed Godwit — Limosa Belgica (J. F. Gmelin)
During the first half of last century this species used to nest in small but diminishing numbers in the fens and marshes of Lincolnshire and East Anglia. It is now only met with on passage, and even at such times it is by no means common, and in Scotland and Ireland it is scarce and its visits very irregular. On the Continent it breeds in South Scandinavia, Central Russia, Poland, North Germany, Denmark, and Holland, migrating during August to the Mediterranean basin.
Their food consists of insects and worms, which in this country are chiefly sought for in marshes near the shore. In the autumn plumage the general colour is ash brown above and greyish below. There is a conspicuous white wing bar, and the tail feathers are mostly black with white bases. In spring they have the mantle brown, mottled with black; head, neck and breast pale chestnut, the latter being barred with black. The female is considerably larger and rather duller than the male. The young in their first autumn resemble their parents, but have the neck and upper breast tinged with buff. Length 16 in.; wing 9 in.