Dowitcher

Dowitchers are medium-sized, long-billed wading birds belonging to the genus Limnodromus. The name "Limnodromus" is derived from the Ancient Greek words "limne" meaning marsh, and "dromos" meaning runner. The English name "dowitcher" originates from the Iroquois language.

These birds exhibit a body and bill shape similar to godwits, featuring reddish underparts during the summer. However, their shorter legs give them a resemblance more akin to snipes, to which they are more closely related. Dowitchers are renowned for their strong migratory habits.

In North America, there are two species of dowitchers that are notoriously difficult to distinguish in most plumages. For a considerable time, these two species were even regarded as a single species. Additionally, there is an Asian species of dowitcher, which is less common and not as thoroughly documented.

The three species of dowitchers are:

1. Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus)

2. Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus)

3. Asian Dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus)