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PLOVERS AND SANDPIPERS. IOI 
these Godwits are readily distinguished from other 
Limicoline species on the British coasts by their 
long and recurved bills. They also present much 
diversity between summer and winter plumage. 
The most marked difference is seen in the colour of 
the underparts, which the present species changes 
from white in winter to rich chestnut in summer, 
whilst in the Black-tailed Godwit the chestnut 
characteristic of the breeding season is confined 
to the neck and breast. It is only in summer 
plumage that the tail of the Bar-tailed Godwit is 
barred ; in winter it is uniform ash-brown. Upon 
its first arrival on our shores the Bar-tailed Godwit 
is often remarkably tame, admitting a_ close 
approach. It is very fond of frequenting the 
creeks and dykes that intersect the salt-marshes 
and muds, and during high water often goes inland 
-a little way to wait for the ebb. The food of this 
Godwit consists of worms, crustaceans, molluscs, 
and similar marine creatures. The note resembles 
the syllables 2ya-kyd-kyd, often very persistently 
repeated as the birds fly up and down the coast. 
In its quest for food it frequently wades, but never 
swims nor dives, unless wounded. 
But little is known respecting the nidification of 
the Bar-tailed Godwit, and its eggs, very rare in 
collections, have hitherto only been obtained in 
Lapland. These so closely resemble those of the 
preceding species, that no known point of distinction 
can be given. 
