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Hudsonian godwit
Hudsonian godwit
from Wikipedia

Hudsonian godwit
A non-breeding vagrant at Kogarah Bay, Australia
Male in breeding plumage, Churchill, Canada
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Genus: Limosa
Species:
L. haemastica
Binomial name
Limosa haemastica
Synonyms
  • Scolopax haemastica Linnaeus, 1758

The Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) is a large shorebird in the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. It is a long distance migratory species that breeds at remote sites in northern Canada and winters in southern South America. The genus name Limosa is from Latin and means "muddy", from limus, "mud". The specific haemastica is from Ancient Greek and means "bloody".The English term "godwit" is believed to imitate the bird's call.

Taxonomy

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The Hudsonian godwit was formally described in 1758 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae. He placed it in the genus Scolopax and coined the binomial name Scolopax haemastica.[2] Linnaeus based his entry on the "red-breasted godwit" that had been described and illustrated in 1750 by the English naturalist George Edwards in the third volume of his A Natural History of Uncommon Birds. Edwards had obtained a specimen that had been collected in the Hudson Bay region of Canada by James Isham, an employee of the Hudson's Bay Company.[3] Linnaeus specified the type locality as North America but this is restricted to the Hudson Bay following Edwards.[4] The Hudsonian godwit is now one of four species placed in the genus Limosa that was introduced in 1760 by French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson. The species is considered to be monotypic: no subspecies are recognised.[5] The genus name Limosa is from Latin and means "muddy", from limus, "mud". The specific epithet haemastica is from Ancient Greek haimatikos meaning "bloody".[6] The English name "godwit" was first recorded in about 1416–17 and is believed to imitate the bird's call.[7]

Description

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Adults have long dark legs and a long pink bill with a slight upward curve and dark at the tip. The upper parts are mottled brown and the underparts are chestnut. The tail is black and the rump is white. They show black wing linings in flight. The legs and feet are bluish-grey.[8]

Standard Measurements[8][9]
length 14.5–16.7 in (370–420 mm)
weight 300 g (11 oz)
wingspan 29 in (740 mm)
wing 195.5–208.5 mm (7.70–8.21 in)
tail 70–83.8 mm (2.76–3.30 in)
culmen 68.2–81.2 mm (2.69–3.20 in)
tarsus 53.5–59.5 mm (2.11–2.34 in)

Distribution and habitat

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They migrate to South America and the Caribbean. These birds gather at James Bay before fall migration. In good weather, many birds make the trip south without stopping. They are vagrants to Europe, Australia, and South Africa.

They can perhaps be most easily seen in migration on the east coast of North America where they can be plentiful in migration in late July through early August.

Behaviour and ecology

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Breeding

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Their breeding habitat is the far north near the tree line in northwestern Canada and Alaska, also on the shores of Hudson Bay. They nest on the ground, in a well-concealed location in a marshy area. The female usually lays 4 olive-buff eggs marked with darker splotches. Incubation period is 22 days.[8] Both parents look after the young birds, who find their own food and are able to fly within a month of hatching.[10]

Food and feeding

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These birds forage by probing in shallow water. They eat invertebrates and plant material.[10]

Status

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The species is classified as of Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.[1]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) is a large shorebird in the sandpiper family (Scolopacidae), renowned for its long, slightly upcurved bill with a flexible tip, long black legs, and distinctive that shifts from gray-brown in winter to brick-red underparts with a black-and-white barred tail in breeding season. This species measures 37–43 cm in length with a of 80 cm and weighs 250–400 g, enabling it to probe deep into mud for prey. It is a long-distance migrant, breeding in remote and wetlands of and wintering in coastal , covering up to 32,000 km round-trip annually in one of the most epic migrations among birds. Breeding occurs primarily in wet sedge meadows and bogs along the southern , Mackenzie Delta in , and western , where pairs nest on dry hummocks amid dwarf shrubs and lay 2–4 olive-gray eggs that both parents incubate for about 23 days. Chicks are precocial, able to swim and feed themselves shortly after hatching, and fledging takes 25–30 days under . The diet consists mainly of aquatic like , crustaceans, and mollusks, supplemented by berries and seeds, with involving rapid probing or surface pecking in shallow water or mudflats. During migration, Hudsonian godwits stage at key stopover sites such as wetlands in fall and prairie potholes or coastal estuaries in spring, often flying nonstop over 6,000–10,000 km, including oceanic crossings from to . They form loose flocks without strict feeding territories and exhibit aerial displays, but are generally monogamous and territorial only on breeding grounds. Wintering habitats include intertidal mudflats and estuaries in , , and , , where they continue probing for . The global population is estimated at 50,000–70,000 individuals as of 2024, but has declined by over 50% in the past 50 years due to habitat loss from , agricultural intensification, and disturbance, leading to its designation as Threatened in , Vulnerable on the , and a Red Alert Tipping Point species in the 2025 State of the Birds report.

Taxonomy

Classification

The Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) belongs to the order , which encompasses a diverse array of shorebirds, , and alcids, and is classified within the family Scolopacidae, commonly known as sandpipers and allies. This family includes over 90 characterized by their wading habits and long-distance migrations, with the Hudsonian godwit distinguished by its placement in the genus Limosa, which comprises the four extant species worldwide. The species was first formally described by in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae in 1758, under the binomial name Scolopax haemastica, based on earlier accounts of the "Red-breasted Godwit" from by George Edwards. Linnaeus's description marked the initial taxonomic recognition of the bird, which was later reclassified into the genus Limosa as understandings of shorebird relationships evolved. The Hudsonian godwit is monotypic, with no recognized , reflecting its relatively uniform genetic and morphological variation across its range. Within the genus Limosa, the Hudsonian godwit is the smallest and features the most vibrant breeding among its congeners, including the bar-tailed (L. lapponica), black-tailed (L. limosa), and marbled (L. fedoa) . Phylogenetic analyses based on molecular data place it as the sister to the marbled godwit, with the genus Limosa originating in the middle approximately 15–25 million years ago. These genetic studies underscore the close evolutionary ties among while highlighting the Hudsonian godwit's distinct lineage within this small, morphologically coherent group.

Etymology

The common name "Hudsonian godwit" originates from in , the primary breeding grounds explored by early European explorers including in the early 1600s, in whose muddy coastal habitats the species is prevalent. The descriptor "Hudsonian" thus honors this geographic association, highlighting the bird's prevalence in the region's intertidal zones during the breeding season. The term "" has uncertain origins but first appeared in English records around 1416–1417, likely as an onomatopoeic imitation of the bird's distinctive whistling call or possibly derived from phrases like "god whit," meaning "good creature," in reference to its palatability as food in historical contexts. This name applies broadly to the genus Limosa , emphasizing their shared as wading birds. The scientific name Limosa haemastica, assigned by in 1758, breaks down etymologically with Limosa from the Latin limus for "mud," alluding to the species' preference for foraging areas. The specific epithet haemastica derives from haima () and stiktos (spotted or pricked), describing the vivid blood-red spotting on the bird's breeding . In some Indigenous , the Hudsonian godwit bears names that reflect its epic migrations, such as Sigguraujaqquqtujuaq in , which evokes the bird's long-distance travels across continents.

Description

Morphology

The Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) is a large shorebird measuring 36–42 cm in total length, with a of 67–80 cm. Adults weigh 196–358 g, with males averaging 196–266 g and females 246–358 g, reflecting slight in size where females are marginally larger. The body form is slender and stately, characterized by a long neck and rounded head that contribute to its elegant silhouette during wading and flight. The bill is a prominent feature, measuring 6.8–9.4 cm in length and slightly upturned, with a two-toned appearance featuring a pinkish base and dark tip. Its tip is notably flexible, enabling the bird to bend it sideways to grasp buried prey during probing without withdrawing the entire bill from the substrate. The legs are long and dark gray, extending well beyond the in flight and adapted for efficient wading in shallow aquatic environments. Skeletal adaptations support the species' demanding lifestyle, including strong that facilitate prolonged wading and powerful takeoff for migration, alongside a lightweight overall typical of long-distance shorebird migrants to minimize costs during flight.

Plumage and variations

The Hudsonian godwit displays distinct seasonal plumages with limited overall. In breeding plumage, both sexes exhibit brick-red underparts extending to the head and , complemented by mottled brown, black, and gold upperparts, a conspicuous white rump, and white undertail coverts. Males tend to show darker and more uniform tones on the underparts with fewer bars, while females are somewhat paler with greater mottling and barring in the rufous areas. During the non-breeding period, the shifts to a more subdued grayish-brown overall, with paler underparts lacking any red tones and a uniform drab appearance on the head, neck, and mantle. This basic provides effective in coastal and habitats. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but feature buff fringes on the upperpart feathers, creating a scaly pattern on the back and mantle that persists for about 2-3 months after fledging. They undergo their first molt to breeding at around one year of age. The completes a full post-breeding molt (definitive prebasic) on its wintering grounds between July and January, replacing all feathers into basic plumage. The pre-breeding molt (definitive prealternate) is partial, occurring from January or February to May primarily on non-breeding and staging areas, and incorporates red pigments derived from dietary to produce the vibrant breeding coloration. Sexual and age-related variations are minimal beyond the subtle intensity differences in breeding tones, with juveniles readily identifiable by their scaled upperparts during the initial post-fledging period.

Distribution and habitat

Breeding grounds

The Hudsonian godwit breeds primarily in and boreal wetlands across and , with key populations in the (including areas around ), the (such as the Mackenzie Delta), and western (including the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and ). These sites are typically situated near the , in the transitional between boreal forest () and . Breeding habitats consist of mossy bogs, wet sedge meadows, and pools characterized by high plant diversity, including graminoids like sedges, forbs, mosses, lichens, and ericaceous shrubs such as dwarf birch and willows. These areas often feature acidic soils, shallow pools, hummocks, and interspersed islands or forests, at elevations ranging from 0 to 500 meters. The godwits select sites with a mix of wet foraging meadows and drier upland nesting zones, often within or open sedge- intermixed with edges. Nesting occurs in ground scrapes on dry hummocks or in dense vegetation, typically a short distance from water bodies, with nests situated 0.2–1.0 m above the water level, concealed by surrounding grasses, , or shrubs like sweet-gale. Clutches usually comprise 4 eggs (ranging 2–4), which are incubated by both parents for 22–24 days in shallow depressions sometimes lined with twigs, leaves, or . The global breeding population is estimated at 41,000–70,000 mature individuals (as of 2024), corresponding to roughly 20,500–35,000 pairs, distributed in loose colonial groups rather than dense colonies. Breeding densities reach a maximum of about 1 pair per 15–20 hectares in core areas like Churchill, with much of the available habitat in regions such as the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta remaining underutilized. These birds favor regions with short summers, enabling a compressed breeding cycle synchronized with peak availability in the brief warm period.

Non-breeding areas

The Hudsonian godwit spends its non-breeding season primarily in southern , with the core winter range concentrated along the coasts of , , and . Smaller populations occur in the during passage and in southern , while vagrant individuals are recorded annually in , , and . In these areas, the species inhabits tidal mudflats, estuaries, salt marshes, and inland wetlands, favoring sites with soft, deep substrates suitable for probing. Key wintering locations include Bahía Lomas and Bahía San Sebastián in (Argentina and Chile), where thousands congregate; and adjacent mainland coasts in central Chile; and Lagoa do Peixe in southern . Additional important sites are Samborombón Bay in and coastal areas in , supporting flocks that exploit intertidal zones and shallow bays. Birds typically arrive at these non-breeding sites between and following southward migration, remaining through the austral summer before departing in or April. During high tides, they roost in salt marshes, upper tidal flats, sand spits, or adjacent grasslands to avoid flooding. These habitats provide high densities of in soft sediments, essential for , and are characterized by mild climates with wet summers and low levels of human disturbance to support large flocks.

Migration

Routes and timing

The Hudsonian godwit follows a distinctive triangular migration route, breeding in subarctic North America before heading southeast across the western Atlantic to non-breeding grounds in southern South America during fall, and returning northwest through the interior of North and in spring. This pattern minimizes overland travel in fall while utilizing more coastal and pathways northward, covering an annual round-trip distance of approximately 32,000 km. In fall, adults depart breeding grounds from late July to early August, with juveniles following in August to September, staging briefly at sites like Quill Lakes in Saskatchewan or Aropuk Lake in Alaska before converging on James Bay in Ontario and Quebec. From James Bay, most individuals undertake a of about 8,300 km over the Atlantic to staging areas in northern , lasting an average of 6 days at average ground speeds of approximately 50-70 km/h, aided by tailwinds. Alaskan breeders may cover even longer segments, up to 11,000 km in some tracked cases, arriving in by September to October. Spring migration begins with departures from South American wintering sites in March to April, featuring shorter flight legs through the of the , with arrivals in central peaking in mid-April and a larger wave in May. Birds reach western breeding grounds in by late April to early May and eastern sites in by late May. Recent tracking from 2010 to 2023 indicates a 6-day delay in arrivals at Alaskan sites by 2023 compared to 2012, attributed to climatic shifts along the route, though overall migration duration remains around 3.5 weeks. As of 2025, continued tracking efforts confirm the persistence of delayed spring arrivals, with potential impacts on breeding synchrony. Key stopover sites include in for fall refueling, where birds may remain 1–2 weeks to build fat reserves, and in as a major non-breeding staging area from September to April. Spring stopovers occur at prairie wetlands such as Cheyenne Bottoms in and the Rainwater Basin in , also lasting 1–2 weeks for energy replenishment before final legs to breeding areas. GPS and satellite tracking studies from the 2010s to 2020s, including deployments on over 50 individuals from , , and , have mapped these routes in detail, confirming the 15,000–20,000 mile annual circuit and highlighting consistency across populations despite varying staging durations.

Adaptations and records

The Hudsonian godwit exhibits remarkable physiological adaptations that enable its extreme long-distance migrations, including the accumulation of substantial fat reserves that can constitute up to 50% of body mass prior to departure, providing the primary fuel for non-stop flights spanning thousands of kilometers. These birds also undergo significant organ remodeling, doubling or tripling the size of their , heart, and lungs to enhance oxygen delivery and metabolic efficiency during sustained flight, while shrinking digestive organs to reduce non-essential weight. This cardiovascular enhancement allows for increased production and air storage beyond the lungs, optimizing energy use and preventing fatigue over durations that exceed predictions from energy budget models derived from satellite telemetry data. Behaviorally, Hudsonian godwits employ strategies such as flying in flocks to capitalize on and drafting, which reduces individual energy expenditure during over-ocean legs, and timing departures precisely with favorable weather systems to minimize headwinds and storms. These non-stop flights, often lasting 7-9 days, highlight their ability to maintain continuous while unihemispherically to conserve cognitive function. Satellite telemetry has revealed vulnerabilities to shifting wind patterns, which can alter energy budgets and increase fatigue risk if conditions deviate from optimal tailwinds. Notable records underscore these adaptations; for instance, in 2009, a tracked Hudsonian godwit completed a of approximately 9,700 km from to the coast in eight days, one of the longest recorded for the species. Recent using has further illuminated energy dynamics, showing that godwits sustain flights longer than modeled thresholds by efficiently metabolizing for both and hydration. A 2025 study analyzing tracking data from 2010 to 2023 found that spring migration has delayed by six days, attributed to later departures from non-breeding grounds amid warming climates, potentially constraining breeding success without changes in overall migration duration. rates during migration are high for adults, with approximately 90% completing southward journeys successfully, though juveniles face lower odds, with only about 25% surviving their first migration due to inexperience and physiological immaturity.

Behaviour and ecology

Breeding biology

The Hudsonian godwit exhibits a monogamous mating system, with pairs forming rapidly upon arrival at the breeding grounds in the Arctic and subarctic regions. Courtship involves elaborate aerial displays by males, including erratic spiraling flights, "butterfly" maneuvers with trembling wings and downward arches, steep dives producing a winnowing sound, and pursuit chases accompanied by distinctive calls such as a repeated "toe-wit." These displays often occur over coastal feeding areas shortly after arrival, even in snowy conditions, and may continue among paired birds to reinforce bonds. Recent studies indicate that breeding arrival and initiation may be delayed due to , with godwits arriving up to 6 days later in 2023 compared to 2012. Breeding is timed to coincide with the emergence of insect hatches, with egg-laying typically occurring from mid-May in southern and early to mid-June farther north, such as at . Nests consist of shallow scrapes, averaging 14 cm wide and 4 cm deep, formed in dry hummocks or sedge tussocks and lined with leaves, twigs, moss, and lichens for . Females usually lay a of four olive-gray to buffy olive eggs, each about 53 mm long, marked with dark spots; laying one egg every 24–48 hours completes the clutch in 3–5 days. Incubation lasts approximately 22–23 days and is shared by both parents, with the female typically handling daytime shifts (roughly 0600–1830) and the male taking over at night, alternating every 12 hours or so. Eggs hatch synchronously over one to two days, often in the afternoon for the first few, producing precocial, downy chicks that are mobile and leave the nest within hours. Both parents provide care for , brooding them initially and leading them to areas while actively defending against predators through displays and chases, often in coordination with nearby shorebird groups. Chicks independently for and , with parents providing brooding, protection, and guidance to areas until fledging at 26–35 days old, after which juveniles remain on the breeding grounds longer than adults; the female may depart after about 20 days, leaving the male to complete care. Breeding success varies, heavily influenced by predation from arctic foxes, (including mew gulls), Northern Harriers, and Common Ravens, as well as weather conditions that affect renesting rates—such as cold springs delaying hatches and reducing opportunities for second attempts. Limited data exist on overall success, with hatching success reported at 83% in some early studies at Churchill. In areas like Churchill, renesting occurs in only 0–31% of cases depending on temperature, while chick mortality due to predation can reach 58% post-hatching in Churchill, Manitoba, and 87% in Beluga River, .

Foraging and diet

The Hudsonian godwit primarily feeds on , including insect larvae such as those of Diptera and beetles, as well as snails and earthworms, during the breeding season in wetlands. On non-breeding grounds and migration stopovers, the diet incorporates like bivalve mollusks (e.g., clams of the Darina), worms (e.g., nereidids), crustaceans, and crabs, alongside plant material such as sago pondweed tubers and crowberries. The tends to select smaller prey, typically 3–6 mm in size. Foraging involves probing soft mud or sediments with the long, slightly upturned bill, often while wading in shallow averaging 5 cm deep, and occasionally pecking or from surfaces. The uses a rapid stitching motion, inserting the bill at least one-quarter into the substrate at rates up to 58 probes per minute, to locate hidden prey. Prey capture success varies by and location, from 0% to 71% in observed trials. Seasonally, the breeding diet prioritizes high-protein for reproductive demands, while migration emphasizes at coastal stopovers to build fat reserves. Godwits gregariously, often in flocks of 4–30 individuals at minor wintering sites, though larger groups of up to 100 form during peak migration periods. Intake rates average 1.8–2.4 prey items per minute, or up to 40–50 items per minute in favorable conditions. The bill's flexible tip, equipped with tactile receptors, facilitates detection and extraction of buried prey without full head submersion, optimizing efficiency across and substrates.

Conservation

Population and status

The global breeding population of the Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) is estimated at approximately 77,000 individuals, with about 41,000 breeding individuals in representing approximately 53% of the total. This equates to roughly 38,500 breeding pairs worldwide, concentrated primarily in boreal and regions of . Population trends indicate a decline of more than 50% over the past 50 years, with the 2025 State of the Birds report classifying the species as a "Red Alert Tipping Point" due to severe ongoing losses. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the since 2024, reflecting its small global population, restricted breeding range, and ongoing declines observed in monitoring efforts. Monitoring is conducted through coordinated shorebird surveys, including winter counts in non-breeding areas and aerial surveys at key breeding sites, such as those coordinated by the Pan-American Shorebird Program and regional initiatives like the Arctic Shorebird Monitoring Program; 2025 updates from these efforts, including the State of the Birds report, indicate ongoing declines consistent with prior trends in core Canadian breeding areas. Historically, the species was considered endangered in the early 1900s due to market , but its rarity was partly attributed to underestimation from its overlooked long-distance migration, leading to later recognition of relative stability post-protection.

Threats and conservation efforts

The Hudsonian godwit faces multiple threats across its annual cycle, primarily driven by habitat alteration and . In breeding areas, agricultural drainage and conversion of boreal wetlands to other land uses have reduced suitable boggy habitats, while by expanding populations of geese further degrades nesting sites through vegetation loss and . In non-breeding and stopover regions, coastal development, including and expansion, fragments intertidal mudflats essential for foraging, and from agricultural runoff and petrochemical waste contaminates prey resources. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by altering the timing of migration and prey availability, leading to phenological mismatches where godwits arrive at breeding grounds after peak insect emergence or face delayed spring departures due to warmer conditions. Rising sea levels threaten to inundate key stopover , such as those along the Atlantic coast, potentially flooding critical refueling sites during long-distance flights. Additional risks include increased predation from altered predator-prey dynamics in warming ecosystems, collisions with structures like wind turbines and communication towers along migration routes, and heightened susceptibility, such as avian cholera, stemming from wetland degradation and concentrated bird assemblages at stopovers. Illegal and subsistence persists in parts of South and , though its current prevalence and population-level impact remain poorly quantified. Conservation efforts for the Hudsonian godwit emphasize habitat protection and international collaboration. Key breeding and stopover sites, such as the Albany River Estuary and Pei lay sheesh kow Important Bird Areas in Ontario's , are prioritized for regulation under provincial legislation to prevent development and maintain integrity. Several critical s, including Bahía Lomas in and Southern James Bay sanctuaries, are designated under the , providing international safeguards against drainage and . Satellite and geolocator tracking programs have identified high-priority sites across the , informing targeted protections and revealing the need for a network of conserved stopovers to support the species' epic migrations. The 2024 Ontario Recovery Strategy outlines actions like habitat restoration through controlled burns and management, alongside public campaigns to raise awareness of shorebird conservation needs and reduce disturbances at coastal sites. In , regulatory measures in the 2020s, including local restrictions supported by community initiatives in and , aim to curb illegal take and promote sustainable land use around wintering grounds. Broader frameworks, such as the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, facilitate hemispheric coordination to address transboundary threats like impacts.

References

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