Long-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus scolopaceus
The Long-billed Dowitcher is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen on coastal wetlands and estuaries during the spring and autumn, with most sightings occurring in the southwest and eastern regions. It is a medium-sized shorebird that can be spotted in a variety of freshwater habitats, including marshes and mudflats.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Long-billed Dowitcher in the field.
The Long-billed Dowitcher can be identified by its relatively long bill, rufous head and underparts, and a distinctive white upper rump patch that is visible in flight. Its dark mottled back and brownish-grey wings also help to distinguish it from other shorebirds.
The Long-billed Dowitcher is slightly larger than a Redshank, but smaller than a Curlew, making it a medium-sized wader that is easily recognizable in the right habitat.
The male Long-billed Dowitcher has a breeding plumage characterized by a rufous head and underparts, with a darker mottled back and a large white upper rump patch that is visible in flight, while in non-breeding plumage, the rufous colours are replaced by a more subdued brownish-grey.
The female Long-billed Dowitcher is similar to the male, with the same breeding and non-breeding plumage patterns, although the colours may be slightly less intense.
The Long-billed Dowitcher has a distinctive call that sounds like a sharp, high-pitched "keek" or "peek", often repeated in a series of short phrases.
The Long-billed Dowitcher feeds in a unique "sewing machine" motion, with its bill probing underwater in a rapid, back-and-forth movement, and is also known for its mating display, where males chase females in flight.
The Long-billed Dowitcher can be confused with the Short-billed Dowitcher, but can be distinguished by its longer bill and more intense rufous breeding plumage, as well as its distinctive white upper rump patch.
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