Marbled godwit

Marbled godwit walking on gravel with one leg raised, showing its long upturned bill, Manitoba

The marbled godwit is a large, long-legged shorebird with a very long, slightly upturned bill that is pink at the base and dark at the tip. Its body is a warm cinnamon-buff, finely barred and mottled with dark brown, which gives it its marbled look.

Marbled godwits nest in the grasslands and wetlands of the northern prairies, including southern Manitoba, and arrive in spring. They probe deep into mud and shallow water with their long bills, searching for insects, worms, and other small prey, often in loose groups.

I like the long, gently upturned bill of a marbled godwit, and the warm cinnamon tones that match the prairie.

Curious about the marbled godwit and its habitat? Learn more on its page at All About Birds.

Field notes in photographs

  • Marbled godwit walking on gravel with one leg raised, showing its long upturned bill, Manitoba
  • Marbled godwit photographed in Manitoba, 2
  • Two marbled godwits walking through dry grass, Manitoba
  • Marbled godwit in flight against a blue sky with its long bill open and wings raised

Marbled godwit Manitoba sightings

Where and when you can find the marbled godwit in Manitoba depends on the season and the habitat. You can see more species in the Manitoba birds section.

Map of Manitoba showing where the marbled godwit nests, with major cities and lakes
Where to look for the marbled godwit in Manitoba through the seasons: nesting in the Boreal Plains and the Prairies (gold). Habitat regions: National Ecological Framework for Canada. Boundaries: Statistics Canada. Lakes: Natural Earth.

Back to Manitoba bird photography, or see the portfolio.

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