Watercolor portrait of Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa)

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa
Migratory species Breeds in open shortgrass prairies and w… Song

Learn to identify the Marbled Godwit by ear. Master the "ker-RECK" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“ker-RECK”

What the Marbled Godwit sounds like

Large migratory shorebird with mottled warm brown plumage. Notable long, slightly upturned bill that is pink at the base and black at the tip. It has blue-gray legs and a cinnamon-colored wing lining visible in flight. Often seen wading in shallow wetlands or coastal mudflats.

“ker-RECK”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A loud, ringing "ker-RECK" or sometimes described as a "godwit!" call. Often given in breeding territories or during display flights over the prairie. It's a sharp, rising call that can carry over long distances, serving as the closest thing to a song for attracting a mate. Often written as “ker-RECK”.
Don't confuse with:The Hudsonian Godwit — smaller and less robust.

Where you'll hear it

Breeds in open shortgrass prairies and wetlands of the northern Great Plains and subarctic tundra. During migration and winter, frequents coastal mudflats, estuaries, and sandy beaches. Prefers expansive mudflats and marshes where it can probe for food.

In spring, arrives on breeding grounds as wetlands thaw, forming loose colonies on prairie marsh edges. Breeding pairs nest on the ground in grass. By late summer, adults and juveniles migrate to coastal stopovers; peak fall migration occurs mid to late fall. In winter, gathers in flocks on mudflats and tidal areas, feeding during low tide and roosting together when tide is high. Returns north again in early spring. Non-breeding one-year-olds may remain on wintering grounds through summer rather than migrating north.

Similar species

Hudsonian Godwit

Smaller and less robust.

Long-billed Curlew

Much longer down-curved bill and overall buffy coloration.

Marbled Godwit song FAQ

What does a Marbled Godwit sound like?
A loud, ringing "ker-RECK" or sometimes described as a "godwit!" call. Often given in breeding territories or during display flights over the prairie. It's a sharp, rising call that can carry over long distances, serving as the closest thing to a song for attracting a mate. Listen for the "ker-RECK" phrase.
How do I tell a Marbled Godwit from a Hudsonian Godwit by sound?
Hudsonian Godwit: Smaller and less robust.; Hudsonian Godwit has a slightly shorter bill that is more uniformly dark and shows bold black underwings in flight (versus the Marbled's cinnamon wing linings).; Marbled Godwit is overall paler, more buffy, while Hudsonian is grayer with a white rump..
When is the best time to hear a Marbled Godwit?
In spring, arrives on breeding grounds as wetlands thaw, forming loose colonies on prairie marsh edges. Breeding pairs nest on the ground in grass. By late summer, adults and juveniles migrate to coastal stopovers; peak fall migration occurs mid to late fall. In winter, gathers in flocks on mudflats and tidal areas, feeding during low tide and roosting together when tide is high. Returns north again in early spring. Non-breeding one-year-olds may remain on wintering grounds through summer rather than migrating north.