Marshbirds and Shorebirds of North Dakota

Marbled Godwit

MARBLED GODWIT Limosa fedoa Ll8" (46cm)

The marbled godwit is one of the largest shorebirds in North America. Its long upturned bill, marbled coloring, and large size make it easy to identify. It nests on grassy prairie near the edges of sloughs and alkali lakes. It is very vociferous during the breeding season and will often circle and dive at intruders while repeating its call--a loud god WIT-god WlT or kaRECK- kaRECK. The nest consists of a hollowed-out clump of grass that rarely contains other nesting material. The female lays 3-4 greenish-brown eggs with an incubation period lasting 23 days. When feeding, the godwit probes in the mud with its long bill for crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. It will also feed in prairies and meadows on grasshoppers and beetles.

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