Description

• Limnodromus scolopaceus, commonly known as the Long-billed Dowitcher, is a medium-sized shorebird in the family Scolopacidae.

• Has a long, straight bill, relatively short legs, and a compact body.

• In breeding plumage, adults have distinctive rusty-red underparts, dark barring on the flanks, and mottled brown upperparts.

• In non-breeding plumage, it is predominantly grey above with pale underparts and a finely streaked breast.

• Its long bill is used to probe deeply into mud and shallow water for food.

• Often feeds with a characteristic rapid, sewing-machine-like probing motion.

Range

• Breeds primarily in western and northern Alaska and across northern Canada.

• Winters along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts of North America, extending south through Mexico and Central America.

• It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area, particularly as a winter visitor and migrant.

Habitat

• Inhabits coastal mudflats, estuaries, lagoons, marshes, and shallow freshwater wetlands.

• Frequently found on exposed mudflats and in shallow water where it can probe for invertebrates.

• During migration and winter, favours sheltered coastal wetlands, salt ponds, tidal flats, and flooded agricultural fields.