Sandpipers, Phalaropes

Hudsonian Godwit, Limosa haemastica

Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers, Phalaropes)

Size: 15.5"

Season: Fall migrant

Habitat: Coastal shorelines, mudflats, freshwater wetlands

The Hudsonian godwit occasionally passes through New England on its lengthy migration from its breeding grounds in Alaska and northern Canada to its winter habitat in South America. It is a relatively large, gangly shorebird (although the smallest of the godwits) with long legs and a long, thin, slightly upturned bill. Breeding adults are dark overall, with deep, reddish-brown underparts, a mottled black, brown, and white back, pale neck, and a dark eye stripe. The bill is pinkish or orangey with a black tip. In flight the black underwing lining, white upperwing stripe, and white rump are evident. Nonbreeding adults are unmarked gray overall. They wade in the water as high as their bellies and probe deep into mud or sand in search of invertebrate prey. The breeding adult is illustrated.