346 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 



BLACK-TAILED GODWIT 



Limosa melanura {Leisler) 



During the first half of last century this species used to 

 nest in small but diminishing numbers in the fens and marshes 

 of Lincolnshire and East Anglia. The Black-tailed Godwit 

 is one of our regular coasting migrants to the British Islands, 

 and is found inhabiting the Western Palaearctic region. 



They feed on insects and worms, which in this country are 

 chiefly sought for in marshes near the shore. The adult male 

 in nuptial garb has the crown reddish brown, with streaks of 

 black ; forehead, superciliary stripe, and chin whitish ; cheeks, 

 throat and breast, chestnut, the latter barred with blackish. 

 Wings deep brown, with a well-defined white bar, and the tail 

 feathers are white at base ; black on the terminal half. 



In spring they have the mantle brown, mottled with black ; 

 head, neck and breast pale chestnut, the latter being barred 

 with black. The female is larger than the male. The 

 young in their first autumn resemble their parents, but 

 the neck and upper breast are tinged with bufif. Length 

 i6 in. ; bill 3*5 in. ; wing 9 in. 



BAR-TAILED GODWIT 



Limosa lapponica {LinncBtis) 



When it migrates this species visits us in fair numbers, 

 being found on low sandy shores and sheltered estuaries. A 

 few remain throughout the winter, but by far the larger 

 number pass on to Africa after a short stay. In May there is 

 a return migration, especially along the east coast, many of 

 the birds being then in full nuptial plumage. 



It breeds in Northern Europe, and in winter it is found 

 throughout Southern Europe as well as in Africa. Its note is 

 a loud "louey, louey." 



