The Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) is a migratory wader species that visits the United Kingdom during the winter months. It is recognised by its long, slightly upturned bill and distinctive barred tail feathers.

Bar-tailed Godwits primarily feed on invertebrates such as worms, mollusks, and crustaceans, which they find by probing into mud and sand with their bills. They are commonly found foraging in coastal mudflats, estuaries, and salt marshes during low tide.

Their preferred habitats include coastal areas with ample mudflats and shallow waters where they can find abundant food resources. Bar-tailed Godwits are highly migratory birds, breeding in the Arctic tundra and migrating southwards to wintering grounds in countries like the UK.

In terms of behaviour, Bar-tailed Godwits are gregarious birds, often seen in large flocks during migration and wintering periods. They are highly adapted to long-distance flights and are capable of undertaking remarkable migrations, traveling thousands of kilometres between their breeding and wintering grounds.

The lifespan of a Bar-tailed Godwit ranges from 10 to 20 years in the wild, with some individuals living longer in favourable conditions.

Culturally, Bar-tailed Godwits are valued by birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts for their impressive migratory journeys and striking appearance. They have also been featured in literature and art as symbols of freedom and endurance.

Interestingly, Bar-tailed Godwits are known for their non-stop, long-distance flights during migration, which can span over 6,000 miles (10,000 kilometres) from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to their wintering areas in the UK and beyond. This remarkable feat of endurance makes them one of the most extraordinary migratory birds in the world.