The Distribution and Breeding Status of the Hudsonian Godwit in Alaska
Williamson FS and Smith MA. 1964. The Distribution and Breeding Status of the Hudsonian Godwit in Alaska. The Condor. 66(1):41-50
All records of occurrence of the Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) in Alaska have been summarized and the localities plotted on a distribution map. Evidence suggesting breeding of this species in Alaska was found in at least three early reports. Breeding of the Hudsonian Godwit in the Cook Inlet region of south-central Alaska was substantiated by the discovery of adults with a young bird on the nesting area, the collection of a female with collapsed follicles in the ovary and possessing incubation patches, and the observation of two juveniles. Display, pairing activity, and copulation were also observed. The gap in records of occurrence between the years 1907 and 1951 is believed to be due to lack of observers, the vastness of the region under consideration, and possibly also a general decline in numbers of this bird. Spring migration in Alaska apparently begins in the north and proceeds west and south through the coastal areas. It is felt that this species has a record of occurrence and breeding in Alaska which antedates the observations of the first ornithologists in the region.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Williamson, Francis; Smith, Mary
- Units
- CAKN , DENA , WRST , YUCH
- Keywords
- Abundance, Behavior, Birds, Cook Inlet, Distribution, Nesting, Shorebirds