This species breeds from Scandanavia across to northern Russia and Alaska, arriving in Australia in August/September. It is listed on both the China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) and the Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA). During their stay they inhabit the entire coastline of Australia. They prefer sandy shores, mud-flats and marshes where they probe into the sand for small crustaceans, bi-valves and worms. The long slightly up-curved bill is black with a pink base. Although most birds return north to breed some attain the rich chestnut breeding plumage before departure. The upperparts are a mottled grey-brown, with a dark line through the eye. The plumage is lighter and more mottled than the similar Black-tailed Godwit.
Listen to Bar-tailed Godwits calling (MP3)
The Bar-tailed Godwit with nonbreeding plumage and habitat in Hen and Chicken Bay, Sydney
The Bar-Tailed Godwits' breeding habitat in the northern hemisphere
Return to Migatory Waders and The Flyway
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