Marbled Gotwit

Description:

The Marbled Godwit, Limosa fedoa, is a large shorebird. On average, it is the largest of the 4 species of godwit. The total length is 16–20 in, including a large bill of 3.1–5.1 in, and wingspan is 28–35 in. Adults have long blue-grey hairy legs and a very long pink bill with a slight upward curve and dark at the tip. The long neck, breast and belly are pale brown with dark bars on the breast and flanks. The back is mottled and dark. They show cinnamon wing linings in flight. Their breeding habitat is the northern prairies of western Canada-(Canadian Prairies), and the north central Great Plains, United States near marshes or ponds. They nest on the ground, usually in short grass. In autumn, they migrate in flocks to the coasts of California, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico and South America. These birds forage by probing on mudflats, in marshes, or at the beach (see picture below). In short grass, they may pick up insects by sight. They mainly eat insects and crustaceans, but also eat parts of aquatic plants. Their numbers were reduced by hunting at the end of the 19th century. Although they had recovered somewhat since that time, their population has declined in recent times as suitable habitat is used for farming.

Habitat:

Gulf of Mexico beach at the end of Hwy.124 and along Hwy. 87 on High Island, TX. The Houston Audubon Society operates four bird sanctuaries in the area, and is a nationally famous destination for birdwatchers in the sting.

Notes:

High Island is an unincorporated area located in the Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston County, Texas. High Island's name comes from the large salt dome under the area. This salt dome raises the elevation of the area to around 38 feet, giving High Island the highest elevation of any point on the Gulf coast from Mobile, Alabama to the Yucatán Peninsula. High Island, is a wooded area in the midst of a vast wet prairie. Migrants crossing the Gulf of Mexico see these oak mottes as an oasis in the middle of this endless flat prairie.