2 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT

There are two subspecies of Black-tailed Godwit which occur in the UK – the nominate European race, which nests in tiny numbers, and the Icelandic subspecies, which forms the largest wintering flocks. There may be nearly 50,000 of the latter in the country, and at some sites flocks a few thousand strong often form. In February into March, these numbers swell as the Icelandic godwits prepare to return to their breeding grounds far to the north.

The black-and-white tail end, combined with the obvious white wing-bars and the long legs protruding well beyond the tail in flight, make these large waders easy to identify, especially in flight. Unlike Bar-tailed Godwits (which are more closely tied to the shore), flocks are often found well inland on suitable wetlands.