Gould stated that in England there were two species of Godwits, each with distinctive markings, and he considered that the names Black-tailed and Bar-tailed very appropriately described these birds.

The male Black-tailed Godwit is depicted during its change of plumage from olive-green to rusty-red during summer. The female depicted behind is about a third larger than the male and in her usual brown colouring.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds northern Eurasia. Winters from British Isles, Mediterranean region, south Asia, and Philippines, south to south Africa and Australia. The United Kingdom wintering population comprises the race islandica which breed mainly in Iceland