godwit

Short definition: The word godwit means a large shorebird with long legs and a long slightly upturned bill, often found in wetlands and estuaries, known for remarkable nonstop migrations and probing mud for food.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word godwit? The word godwit is mainly used in birdwatching, wildlife studies, and coastal nature writing. It refers to a large elegant shorebird known for its long straight or slightly upturned bill and impressive long-distance migrations. You will hear it in discussions about estuaries, tidal flats, wetlands, and seasonal migration routes. Although not common in everyday conversation, it appears often in field guides and birding reports. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and informative.

Forms: godwit, godwits
Related: shorebird n., wader n., sandpiper n.
Syllable: god-wit

1. (Noun) A large migratory shorebird with a long bill and long legs often seen feeding on tidal flats and wetlands.

   A godwit is a tall elegant wading bird recognized by its long straight or slightly upturned bill long legs and smooth body shape, commonly found probing mud and shallow water for worms insects and small aquatic animals in estuaries and coastal wetlands.

   The godwit slowly walked across the exposed mudflat pushing its long bill deep into the soft ground as the tide began to return.
   Birdwatchers admired the godwit’s graceful posture and steady feeding movements along the shoreline.
   During migration godwits gather in large numbers at key wetlands to rest and refuel before continuing their journey.

   Synonyms: shorebird, wading bird, sandpiper, migratory shorebird, long billed wader, wetland bird, tidal flat bird, probing bird, estuary bird, coastal wader, marsh bird, aquatic feeder
   Antonyms: forest bird, tree dwelling bird, domestic bird, flightless bird, inland land bird, raptor, seed eating bird, woodland species, urban bird, non migratory bird, ground running bird, landlocked species

2. (Noun) A shorebird famous for extreme long distance migration flights.

   Godwits are also known for their remarkable migration abilities, with some species flying nonstop for thousands of kilometers across oceans and continents, making them a well known example of endurance in the bird world.

   Scientists studied the godwit’s nonstop flight to better understand how birds survive extreme long distance migration.
   The godwit completed an astonishing journey without landing which amazed researchers around the world.
   Migration records show that godwits can travel farther in a single flight than almost any other bird.

   Synonyms: long distance migrant, endurance flyer, migratory champion, extreme migration bird, nonstop flyer, ocean crossing bird, record holding migrant, high stamina species, endurance species, migration example, travel specialist bird, long haul flier
   Antonyms: resident bird, non migratory species, short distance migrant, sedentary bird, local species, limited range bird, homebound animal, low mobility species, stationary wildlife, area restricted bird, short range flyer, local bird