Scientific Name

Limosa lapponica.

Family

Scolopacidae.

Physical Characteristics

Large wader with long legs and an upturned bill.

Distinctive red breeding plumage.

Breeding Range

Arctic coasts and tundra from Scandinavia to Alaska.

Wintering Range

Temperate and tropical coasts of Australia and New Zealand.

Migration

Subspecies Limosa lapponica baueri undertakes the longest known nonstop flight by any bird.

Migrates from Alaska to New Zealand, covering over 29,000 km round trip.

Breeding Behavior

Nonbreeding migrant in Australia and New Zealand.

Breeds in Scandinavia, northern Asia, and Alaska.

Birds begin breeding at 2 to 4 years old.

Incubation shared by both sexes (male during the day, female at night) for 20 to 21 days.

Diet

Primary: Bristle worms.

Supplementary: Small bivalves, crustaceans, shellfish (on coastal mudflats and estuaries).

In wet pastures: Invertebrates.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males are smaller with shorter bills than females.

Conservation Status

Near Threatened.

Population Trend

Declining.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding the Bar-tailed Godwit:

1. The Bar-tailed Godwit is known for its long migratory journey, with some populations migrating from the Arctic to New Zealand.
2. The species is listed as "Endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
3. Bar-tailed Godwits are known to have the longest non-stop migration of any bird species.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Bar-tailed Godwit is known for its incredible migratory journey, which can span from the Arctic to regions like New Zealand.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Bar-tailed Godwit is not listed as "Endangered"; it is classified as "Least Concern" by IUCN.

Statement 3 is correct: Bar-tailed Godwits are famous for their long migratory flight, holding the record for the longest non-stop migration of any bird species.