When and why does bar-tailed godwit migrate?

Bar-tailed Godwits spend the Austral summer in New Zealand and Australia and each year they complete an epic journey from the Southern Hemisphere to the Yellow Sea, then Alaska, and then back again. Every September about 80,000 of them fly back to New Zealand.

1. Why does the Bar-tailed Godwit migrate?
2. Why does the godwit migrate?
3. Where do bar-tailed godwits migrate to?
4. Is godwit a migratory bird?
5. Where does the godwit migrate to?
6. Why do godwits migrate to New Zealand?
7. How do Bar-tailed Godwits navigate?
8. What has endangered the bar-tailed godwit?
9. How many days does a bar-tailed godwit fly non-stop across the Pacific Ocean?
10. What kind of bird is a godwit?
11. Is a godwit a sandpiper?
12. How far does a bar-tailed godwit fly?
13. How long does it take godwits to fly from Alaska to NZ?
14. Can you eat godwits?
15. Where can I see godwits in Christchurch?

Why does the Bar-tailed Godwit migrate?

Bar-tailed godwits nesting in Alaska (L. l. baueri) travel all the way to Australia and New Zealand. They undertake the longest non-stop migrations of any bird, and to fuel this carry the greatest fat loads of any migratory bird so far studied, reducing the size of their digestive organs to do so.

Why does the godwit migrate?

It appears godwits always go to the same breeding grounds. The godwits that leave New Zealand in early March breed in the south, where the ice melts first, and birds that leave at the end of March breed in the north, where the ice melts last.

Where do bar-tailed godwits migrate to?

Migration Status

Bar-tailed Godwits nest across Europe and Asia, and a population has crossed the Bering Strait and nests in Alaska. They are long-distance migrants, wintering from Southeast Asia south to Australia and New Zealand. During migration some birds may wander to the coasts of North America.

Is godwit a migratory bird?

The godwit breeds from Iceland all the way through Europe and Siberia to parts of central Asia. It has a diverse migration pattern spanning the Indian Subcontinent, Australia, West Africa and parts of Western Europe. The main threat for this species is habitat loss.

Where does the godwit migrate to?

Bar-tailed Godwits spend the Austral summer in New Zealand and Australia and each year they complete an epic journey from the Southern Hemisphere to the Yellow Sea, then Alaska, and then back again. Every September about 80,000 of them fly back to New Zealand.

Why do godwits migrate to New Zealand?

Bar-tailed godwits are one of 35 species which come to New Zealand every summer from their breeding ground in the Arctic. They all move huge distances as the seasons change to either exploit rich feeding grounds or to avoid frozen lands. In New Zealand some 80,000 godwits arrive and move into harbours and estuaries.

How do Bar-tailed Godwits navigate?

It is believed that the Bar-tailed godwits rely mostly on a sun-compass to navigate their journey from Alaska to New Zealand, the longest non-stop migration known, taking about one week. The godwits fly to the Alaskan tundra to breed, probably because of its abundant food supply (clams) and lack of predators.

What has endangered the bar-tailed godwit?

In large part, the observed decline in Bar-tailed Godwit (Western Alaskan) numbers across Australia stems from ongoing loss of intertidal mudflat habitat at key migration staging sites in the Yellow Sea.

How many days does a bar-tailed godwit fly non-stop across the Pacific Ocean?

She flies non-stop seven days, ten thousand kilometers, to the Yellow Sea. All of the Bar-tailed Godwits of Alaska, they stop at the Yellow Sea."

What kind of bird is a godwit?

The godwits are a group of large, long-billed, long-legged and strongly migratory waders of the bird genus Limosa. Their long bills allow them to probe deeply in the sand for aquatic worms and molluscs. In their winter range, they flock together where food is plentiful.

Is a godwit a sandpiper?

Marbled Godwit: This large sandpiper has black-marked, dark brown upperparts, and lightly barred, chestnut-brown underparts. It has a long pink bill with a black tip that is slightly upcurved. Its pale brown under wings are visible in flight.

How far does a bar-tailed godwit fly?

Limosa lapponica

Bar-tailed Godwits are the world record holders for non-stop flight: they have been recorded travelling 11,000km from Alaska to New Zealand in only 8 days, flying at an average of more than 50km/h.

How long does it take godwits to fly from Alaska to NZ?

This year, a female godwit, identified as 4BYWW by the bands on her legs, was confirmed as having made the longest flight ever recorded by a land bird. She travelled non-stop from Alaska to New Zealand, a journey of 12,200km that took eight days and 12 hours at an average speed of 59km/h.

Can you eat godwits?

They perform the longest nonstop flights of any non-seabird, and, unlike a seabird, there is no chance of an inflight snack. Godwits hold cultural significance for many New Zealanders.

Where can I see godwits in Christchurch?

Other areas in Canterbury that godwits often roost and feed include Lyttelton Harbour, Brooklands Lagoon, Lake Ellesmere and the Ashley Estuary. A farewell ceremony open to all is conducted at Southshore Spit at the time of their departure (early March).