BIRDS OF ICELAND : Limosa limosa, Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa;  Black-tailed Godwits are also rather large waders, in size comparable to the Whimbrels. In contrast to Curlews and Whimbrels their beaks are (slightly) upward bent. Also characteristic during the breeding season are the red neck and breast. Their habitat resembles that of the Whimbrels: wet moorlands and moist meadows. During the winter they migrate to northern Africa and southern Europe. A vagrant relative can be found in the winter season on mud flats along the southern and south-western coasts of Iceland is the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica). It differs in the tail end (names!) and the black-tailed having white linings on top of their wings. Also in spring/summer, the bar-tailed have completely red bottom parts not restricted to neck and breast.