About Limosa haemastica (Linnaeus, 1758)
Adult Limosa haemastica have long dark legs and a long pink bill that curves slightly upward, with a dark tip. Their upper bodies are mottled brown, and their underparts are chestnut-colored. They have a black tail and a white rump. In flight, they display black wing linings. Their legs and feet are bluish-grey. This species is migratory, with birds traveling to South America and the Caribbean for the non-breeding season. Before starting their fall migration, the birds gather at James Bay. In favorable weather, many individuals complete the entire southbound trip without stopping. Limosa haemastica occurs as a vagrant in Europe, Australia, and South Africa. The species is most easily observed during migration on the east coast of North America, where it can be plentiful from late July through early August. These birds forage by probing in shallow water, and they feed on invertebrates and plant material.
