The black-tailed godwit, wader bird of Camargue

Black-tailed Godwit

Scientific Classification

Scientific name: Limosa limosa

Family: Scolopacidae

Overview

The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) is a notable member of the Scolopacidae family, characterized by its relatively large size and minimal sexual dimorphism. In France, it stands as one of two species of godwits. Male black-tailed godwits tend to be smaller yet more vibrantly colored than females, featuring a slightly shorter bill.

Description

The species is equipped with a long beak that presents a yellowish tint at the base and a browny-gray tone at the tip, slightly curved upwards. During inter-nuptial plumage, the eyebrows, chin, chest, and belly are white, while the head, neck, and sides display a uniform pale gray, occasionally with a touch of brown. The upper body boasts a darker gray hue. Its tail is white at the base, sharply contrasting with the black tip, consistent across all seasons.

Singing Behavior

Black-tailed Godwits are quite vocal and expressive during the breeding season, often producing powerful calls like “Yes-kè ouikè ouikè” while soaring high in the sky. Outside the breeding period, their vocalizations diminish, and they emit low growls reminiscent of woodcocks, differing in tone to convey inquiries, fear, or satisfaction.

Preferred Habitat

This species favors saltwater marshes over freshwater ones. In France, Black-tailed Godwits often inhabit sandy terrains and coastal areas during migration, alongside a marked preference for brackish water bodies, including the Camargue and various wetlands in southeastern Europe.

Behavioral Patterns

Migration occurs at the end of August, where they travel in small flocks, often accompanied by smaller wader species. By early March, they begin their return journey. Interestingly, these migratory birds are seen arriving on our shores before displaying their splendid plumage. Initially, they are present in the Camargue and make their way to the southwestern coast and estuaries of rivers such as the Loire and Vilaine. However, by early April, sightings become less frequent as they migrate back to their northern habitats.

Flight Characteristics

When in flight, the legs extend beyond the tail.

Nesting Habits

Black-tailed Godwits typically nest in colonies, creating shallow depressions lined with minimal twigs. A typical clutch consists of four fawn-colored eggs adorned with darker spots. After less than three weeks of incubation, the chicks emerge, awkwardly navigating their surroundings on disproportionately long legs, covered in brown down with white underparts, and are capable of flight within a month post-hatching. During incubation, males remain vigilant, performing aerial displays and vocalizations, similar to the calls of lapwings. Any approaching threats—including humans and other animals, except for cattle which they accept—prompt collective defensive behavior, with the birds circling and emitting varied alarm calls.

Feeding Habits

The Black-tailed Godwit forages by walking slowly and probing vertically into the soft, damp soil or mud. Occasionally, they will hunt for food on the surface and are comfortable feeding in shallow waters, sometimes submerging their heads and necks completely when the water is deeper.