Bird guideBar-tailed Godwit

Breeding plumage is dark brick-red below (male) or pale orangey (female); nonbreeding plumage is overall gray-brown with white belly; compare to Black-tailed Godwit.

⚠️NT: Endangered

At a glance

FamilySandpipers and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
Habitatopen woodland, waterbodies, closed forest, sparse woodland, and woody trees scattered
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from October to March.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by Petter Westberg

Range map

Range map

1208visible hotspots
87699visible records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

In flight shows rather plain upperwings with only a faint whitish wing stripe; white rump and finely barred tail. Mainly coastal away from tundra breeding grounds.

Behavior

Often in flocks feeding on mudflats and in brackish coastal lagoons, roosting in adjacent freshwater habitats. Feeds by probing its long bill into the mud.

Regional timing

Western Australia
Peak: January to February1,910 records
New South Wales
Peak: October to March32,830 records
Northern Territory
Peak: September to October1,958 records
Queensland
Peak: October to March38,120 records
Victoria
Peak: October to January10,699 records
Tasmania
Peak: October to January2,005 records
South Australia
Peak: October to March2,267 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: October18 records
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