Hudsonian
GodwitHudsonian Godwit -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 15 inches | Wingspan: 28 inches | Seasonality: Migrant |
| ID Keys: Long pink-based upcurved bill with black tip, rich chestnut below in spring migration through the state, black barring, dark legs. | ||
Hudsonian
Godwit
Limosa haemastica
Found in South Dakota during the spring migration, the Hudsonian Godwit migrates off the Atlantic Coast during the fall migration. They have the typical "Godwit bill", slightly upcurved and two-toned. Godwits may utilize deeper water when feeding than do most other shorebirds. Note a male is pictured on the right.
Habitat: Freshwater marshes, mudflats, flooded fields during migration. Nests on mixed tundra/wetlands in northern Canada and Alaska.
Diet: Primarily insects inland. Also crustaceans, mollusks, and marine worms.
Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.
Song: High-pitched kae-wit.
Migrations: Summers in northern Canada and Alaska, migrating through the center of North America in the spring. Migration south in the fall is primarily off the Atlantic coast as it makes its way to South America for the winter.
Similar Species: Marbled Godwit
Status: Populations are generally stable. Was seriously depleted in the 19th century due to hunting pressures.
Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Hudsonian Godwit
2)
Cornell University's "All About Birds - Hudsonian Godwit"
3) E-nature.com: Hudsonian Godwit
Photo Information: May 14th, 2004 -- Wetland in Kingsbury County -- Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Hudsonian Godwit photos.
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
