Bar-Tailed Godwit
Guilbneach
Limosa lapponica
Status :
Coastal, Widespread
Size : 35-40 cm
Wingspan : 70-80 cm
Godwits are a classic wading bird, with a long bill and long legs, they prod their beak fully into the sand or mud looking for morsels to eat, they can be seen singly amounst flocks of other waders but are typically seen in large flocks of their own kind. Any estuary stands a good chance of being occupied by Godwits at some time, they typically chase a receding tide which offers them the richest feeding habitat.
In the Breeding season male Godwits develop an orange-brown cast to their chest feathers, they are quick to flight and are often nervous of any potential threats. On a beach or estuary their typical first line of defense is to run from a threat and then only fly when no other option is availbale.
Both the Black and Bar tailed Godwits are common around the coastal estuaries of Ireland.
Top Photograph taken Tacumshin
Lake, Wexford, September 2007
Bottom Photograph taken at Malahide Estuary,
Dublin, August 2007