Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica

One of the real long-distance migrants, the Bar-tailed Godwit undertakes the longest non-stop flights of any bird. They occur around Britain's coastline, usually in winter. In their summer plumage, they are a deep red-brown on the neck, breast and underparts with pale-edged brown feathers on the wings and some birds retain some of this plumage when they arrive here. In their winter plumage, they are dappled dark brown and light grey. They are closely related to the Black-tailed Godwit, which is more common, but with a slightly shorter bill and more contrasting plumage. They are reasonably large waders at 37-41 cm in length including the bill.
 

Bar-tailed Godwit

Bar-tailed Godwit

Bar-tailed Godwit

1-3: Fremington Quay, Devon, 22/09/2013.