Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
Kuaka

Size: 39/41 cm, 300/350gm (male/female)

Description: Most common migrant wader. Long, slightly upturned bill - pink at base changing to black halfway to the tip. Non-breeding adult has head, upperparts and upperwings streaked grey/brown, light underparts. Tail barred white and brown. Breeding adult develops brick-red buff colouring in late summer before departure.

Habitat: Breeds on the Arctic tundra. Found on most New Zealand estuaries in summer.

Status: Abundant Arctic migrant. 85,000 - 110,000 reach New Zealand each summer.

Breeding: Breed from northern Europe across northern Siberia to western Alaska.

Where and how to photograph: Fairly weary birds, careful approach necessary for close shots.

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