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 Palzarctic 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 buff. Length 
16in. ; bill 3°5 in. ; wing gin. 
BAR-TAILED GODWIT 
Limosa lapponica (Linneus) 
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.” 
