The Asiatic Dowitchers (Limnodromus semipalmatus) are rare medium-large waders that occur naturally in Asia and Australia.
Distribution / Range
They breed in grassy wetlands in inland northern Asia and migrate to winter in southeast Asia as far south as northern Australia. They mostly occur on coasts during migration and wintering.
Description
Adults have a dark upper plumage and a reddish plumage underneath in the breeding plumage. The tail has a black and white barred pattern. The winter plumage is largely grey.
They have dark legs and a long straight dark bill that is somewhat shorter than that of the Long-billed Dowitcher.
Similar Species ID:
They resemble the small Bar-tailed Godwit; however the Asiatic Dowitcher’s “sewing machine” feeding action and its yelping calls aid in their identification.
Diet / Feeding
They mostly feed on insects, mollusks, crustaceans and marine worms, but also eat some plant material. They forage by probing in shallow water or on wet mud.
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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