Abstract
The breeding biology and habitat preference of the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa l. limosa) was studied in the West Siberian forest-steppe in May and June 1995. The godwits prefer reed and sedge marsh and edges of ponds and depressions. They breed in small aggregations together with other waders such as Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis), Redshank (Tringa totanus), Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) and Great Snipe (Gallinago media). A remarkable resemblance of breeding birds was noticed between the Siberian steppe and the ‘meadowbird’ community as found in The Netherlands in the 1950’s. Comparisons of biometrics between Siberian and West European Black-tailed godwits showed significant differences. Black-tailed Godwits from Siberia are in all aspects larger than their European conspecifics. Egg volumes and hatchling weights decreased in the course of the season. Breeding success in 1995 was low owing to intense predation by Hooded Crow (Corvus corone cornix) and Magpie (Pica pica).
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