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Five bar-tailed godwits were spotted by naturalist Poochi Venkat at Pulicat lake recently.
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. |
Source:
PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements regarding the Bar-tailed Godwit:
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. |
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