Long-billed Dowitcher

The long-billed dowitcher is a medium-sized shorebird with a relatively long bill (62–72mm), about 29cm long, weighing 88–130g, with a wingspan of 47–49cm. In breeding plumage adults have a rufous head and underparts, a darker mottled back and a large white upper rump seen only in flight. It is similar to the short-billed dowitcher and was only recognised as a separate species in 1950 (Wikipedia, general species account).

It feeds in various freshwater habitats with its bill underwater in a 'sewing machine' motion, and in the mating display males chase females in flight. The best distinguishing field mark between the two dowitchers is the flight call, especially in winter, when plumage can be near-identical (Wikipedia, general species account).