photo by Phil Swanson

Limosa haemastica
L 15 1/2″(39 cm).

Song or calls:
“Ta-it! toe-wit!” or “god-wit!.”

Description: Long, slightly upcurved bill; bill is orange with a black tip. Black tail and white rump. Breeding male has black back feathers with white tips; deep chestnut with fine black barring below. Juvenile is buffy all over with a darker back. Winter plumage is dark gray above and white below, with strong white eyeline. Female is larger and duller.

Habitat: Marshes, wet grasslands, and flooded fields are utilized by migrants.

Where in Nebraska: Uncommon spring migrant in eastern part of state. Rare or absent in the west. No records of fall sightings in Nebraska.

Fun Facts: Newly hatched chicks can swim across pools and slow-flowing streams.

Additional Information: Species name means “blood color”, in reference to the breeding male’s chestnut underparts.

 
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