Hudsonian Godwit

The Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica, presents itself as a large, elegant shorebird of the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. Its genus, Limosa, derived from the Latin for "muddy," reflects its affinity for such environments, while its specific name, haemastica, hails from Ancient Greek, meaning "bloody," likely alluding to its richly colored underparts. Historically, it was known as the red-breasted godwit in the 18th century, and the term "godwit" itself, dating back to the early 15th century, is thought to mimic the bird's distinctive call.

Identification Tips

Adult Hudsonian godwits are characterized by their long, dark legs and a striking long, pink bill that curves slightly upwards, darkening at the tip. Their upper parts are a mottled brown, while the underparts boast a vibrant chestnut hue. In flight, one can observe their black tail and contrasting white rump, as well as the black lining of their wings. The legs and feet are a subtle bluish-grey.

Habitat

These birds are most at home in the far north, near the tree line in northwestern Canada and Alaska, as well as along the shores of Hudson Bay, where they breed in well-concealed, marshy areas.

Distribution

The Hudsonian godwit is a true migrant, traveling vast distances from its northern breeding grounds to winter in South America and the Caribbean. They are known to congregate at James Bay before embarking on their autumnal journey, and in favorable conditions, they may complete the migration without stopping. While they are vagrants to Europe, Australia, and South Africa, they are most commonly observed during migration along the east coast of North America, particularly from late July through early August.

Behaviour

These godwits are social birds, especially during migration. They are adept fliers, capable of long, non-stop flights over open water, which is a testament to their remarkable endurance.

Song & Calls

The name "godwit" is believed to be onomatopoeic, originating from the bird's own vocalizations.

Breeding

In their secluded northern breeding territories, females lay clutches of 4 olive-buff eggs, adorned with darker splotches. The incubation period lasts approximately 22 days, with both parents tending to the young. The chicks are precocial, finding their own food and achieving flight within a month of hatching.

Diet and Feeding

Hudsonian godwits forage by probing in shallow waters, their diet primarily consisting of insects and crustaceans.

Conservation status

The species experienced a decline due to hunting in the late 19th century. However, it is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that the Hudsonian godwit, for now, maintains a stable population.