Wader Identification

[AlfieB77]

I went to Waikanae Estuary today, looking for the common tern that was there (but not today) and instead saw a godwit-looking shorebird associating with 4 pied stilts. They were smaller than the stilts, and lacked the red or white underbellies of bar tailed godwits. Had long, pink bills and had spotty, light brownish feathers. Any info appreciated.

Thanks

[ZionCooper]

Are you sure it wasn’t a Bar-tailed Godwit? It fits the description.

[AlfieB77]

80% sure. Looked too small and bill was too short compared
To others, and shape looked slightly different

[Samsperdy]

It could be a red knot possibly? Did you get any photos?

[AlfieB77]

Sadly didn’t get any photos, it was scared off by a few people fishing. Red knot is a possibility though, thanks.

[Oscar Thomas]

Godwits are the only waders with pink in their bills

[paradoxdinokipi]

Far reach but black tailed godwit maybe?

[tim]

possible that it was a pied stilt chick as they can often be confused for a marsh sandpiper or another wader.

[AlfieB77]

That’s what i thought at first, but it had no white on it at all, except for by its eyes. Also it wasn’t much smaller than the adults, so I figured if it was nearly as big as them then it would look vaguely similar.

[RussCannings]

Hi Alfie,

Was the bill straight or down-curved? (or up-curved?). Was the bill uniformly pinkish or did it have a dark tip (or base)? What colour were the legs? Are you saying it was uniformly coloured (i.e. Mostly the same shade of light brown/spotted all over)? When you say it had white 'by its eyes', was it an eye-ring? Eyebrow stripe? Pale patch in front of the eye?

Russ