Unidentified waders

foxwood · #1 (**permalink**) 27-07-2009, 08:05 AM

These waders were on the lagoon at Brownsea Island, Dorset last week. I believe them to be Godwits but are they Black-tailed or Bar-tailed. Can anyone assist me? Thanks.

Mike

Jonners · #2 (**permalink**) 27-07-2009, 09:39 AM

From the barred flanks on some, and the plain grey backs on the others, I would reckon Black Tailed Godwits. Bloomin' inconvenient of them to hide their beaks though

ron1863 · #3 (**permalink**) 27-07-2009, 10:50 AM

I would go with Godwits but difficult to ID from the photograph

Picidae · #4 (**permalink**) 27-07-2009, 12:17 PM

Hi Mike

They are Black-Tailed Godwits. Note the rufous centred scaps/mantle pattern, the flank bars with the red stopping well before undertail coverts, as well as the long tibia. Bar-tailed show a much plainer mantle pattern and shorter tibia. The rufous underbelly generally extends further towards tail.

The paler birds are first year juveniles.