Bar-Tailed Godwit Vs Black-Tailed Godwit: Key Differences Explained

A notable difference between these species is found in their migration habits. Though both species cover great distances, the Black-Tailed Godwit tends to break up its journey with shorter, more frequent stops. In contrast, the Bar-Tailed Godwit is remarkable for its ability to undertake long, uninterrupted flights.

Key Takeaways

• Bar-Tailed Godwits have a richer, more complex call compared to the Black-Tailed Godwit’s simpler “gleep” call.
• With their bold black and white wing stripes, Black-Tailed Godwits are easily distinguished in flight.
• During the breeding season, the Bar-Tailed Godwit shows a rust-hued head, different from the Black-Tailed Godwit’s reddish-brown head.
• Shorter legs make the Bar-Tailed Godwit more suited to coastal foraging, while the longer-legged Black-Tailed Godwit is better in wetlands.

What Is The Difference Between Bar-Tailed Godwit And Black-Tailed Godwit?

Let’s look at the distinctions between the Bar-Tailed Godwit and the Black-Tailed Godwit, including their appearance, bird calls, breeding behaviours, and habitat preferences.

Visual Differences

Despite some shared features, the Bar-Tailed Godwit and the Black-Tailed Godwit each have visual traits that make them distinct.

Known for its slender build and an upturned bill, the Bar-Tailed Godwit is easily differentiated from the Black-Tailed Godwit, whose bill is much straighter. In the breeding season, the Bar-Tailed Godwit shows a rust-hued head, neck, and breast, in contrast to its lighter underparts. 

A crucial identification mark is the black tail with white bars, differing from the Black-Tailed Godwit. Its long, streamlined wings are essential for the species’ impressive long-distance flights.

In contrast to its bar-tailed relative, the Black-Tailed Godwit stands out with several unique traits. During the breeding season, this medium-sized wader displays a reddish-brown head, neck, and breast, much like the Bar-Tailed Godwit. However, it has a white belly that sharply contrasts with its upper parts. Its most striking feature is the bold black and white stripes on its wings, noticeable both in flight and at rest. 

Unlike the Bar-Tailed Godwit, it features a solid black tail without any white barring, while its wings are pale brown with black tips and a prominent white stripe along the upper side.

Differences In Habitat

Often seen along the UK coastline during winter, the Bar-Tailed Godwit favours mudflats, estuaries, and sandy shores for feeding and resting. Their breeding and migratory behaviours, however, are what make them different. 

The Bar-Tailed Godwit nests in the Arctic tundra of Scandinavia and Siberia, thriving in these remote environments before embarking on one of nature’s most remarkable migrations. Some travel as far as Australia and New Zealand, showcasing their incredible endurance and a strong preference for coastal living.

Though the Black-Tailed Godwit breeds across a vast area from Iceland to central Asia, it remains a rare breeder within the UK. The species nests mainly in the wet grasslands of East Anglia, Kent, and North West England. 

Unlike its relative, the Bar-Tailed Godwit, this species is not restricted to the coast. They are equally comfortable in inland wetlands, shallow waters, and marshes. This adaptability enables them to occupy a broader range of habitats compared to their more coastal-bound relative.

Nests & Eggs

Both species approach nest-building in a straightforward manner, forming basic scrapes on the ground, sometimes adding a bit of vegetation. The Bar-Tailed Godwit often completes its nest in just a day, selecting high, dry areas with some grass or moss. 

The Black-Tailed Godwit, on the other hand, usually takes a day or two to construct its nest, typically hiding it in thick grass to deter predators. The simplicity and speed of their nesting efforts are crucial, allowing them to concentrate on incubating their eggs and tending to their young in their often unforgiving habitats.

The egg-laying season for Bar-Tailed Godwits typically falls between late May and early June, with clutches of about four eggs. These well-camouflaged eggs, ranging from olive-green to brown with darker spots, are hidden in their tundra breeding sites. The eggs usually hatch after 21 to 22 days, with the parents taking turns incubating, though the male often takes the lead during the day.

In contrast, Black-Tailed Godwits tend to start laying their eggs a bit earlier, usually from April to mid-June, depending on where they are. They typically lay between three and six eggs in each clutch. The eggs, light olive green with brown spots, blend well into their environment. These slightly larger eggs, around 55 mm in length and take a bit more time to hatch, generally between 22 to 24 days. Both parents share the incubation duties equally, showing their strong commitment to raising their young.

Bird Calls

Known for its distinctive “gleep” call, the Black-Tailed Godwit’s voice is particularly noticeable during the breeding season. This long, melodic sound serves as a strong identifier for the species, enabling birdwatchers to locate them by sound alone, even when they’re hidden from view.

The Bar-Tailed Godwit’s call, by contrast, is richer and more complex. The male utilises this detailed song to attract a mate and to keep rivals at bay, adding a layer of musicality to the usually quiet coastal areas they frequent. This distinct call is crucial in their courtship and in marking their territory during the breeding season, making it an important aspect of the Bar-Tailed Godwit’s behaviour.

Size & Weight

Typically measuring between 39 to 44 cm in length and with a wingspan of 70 to 83 cm, the Black-Tailed Godwit is slightly larger than the Bar-Tailed Godwit, whose length ranges from 37 to 40 cm and wingspan from 70 to 80 cm. 

The males of the Black-Tailed Godwit usually weigh around 275 grams, whereas the females weigh about 345 grams. Meanwhile, the Bar-Tailed Godwit displays a broader weight range, from 230 to 455 grams, with females generally weighing more.

While both species show slight differences between the sexes, with females generally being larger and heavier, it’s the Bar-Tailed Godwit’s shorter legs that truly distinguish it, making it well-suited for coastal foraging. In contrast, the Black-Tailed Godwit’s longer legs and bill are more appropriate for wading through shallow wetlands.

SEE ALSO: Black-Tailed Godwit Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)

Frequently Asked Questions