Black-tailed Godwit

What do they look like?

The Black-tailed godwit is an elegant wading bird with long, black legs and a relatively long, slender neck when compared to similar species, the Bar-tailed godwit. The beak is long and straight, mainly pink but turning black towards the tip. In winter, these birds are relatively plain, with a grey head, neck and back but white underside. In summer, the head, chest and neck are a terracotta red.

They are easiest to identify in flight, when their spread wings reveal a blocky black tail bordered by a broad bar of white on the rump and a striking white stripe down the length of each wing.

When can I see them in Scotland?

A few can be seen year-round, but the best time to spot this species is during spring and autumn, when birds migrate to overwinter in Britain, Ireland and mainland Europe.

Where can I see them in Scotland?

Spot this species at inland wetlands, coastal marshes and estuaries such as the Forth.

Conservation Status

In the UK, bird species with breeding, passage or wintering populations are assessed by experts and assigned to Red, Amber or Green lists of conservation concern. Black-tailed godwits are currently a ‘RED’ listed species.

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