Central‐West Siberian‐breeding Bar‐tailed Godwits (<i>Limosa lapponica</i>) segregate in two morphologically distinct flyway populations

Long‐distance migratory species often include multiple breeding populations, with distinct migration routes, wintering areas and annual‐cycle timing. Detailed knowledge on population structure connectivity provides the basis for studies evolution of strategies conservation. Currently, five subspecies Bar‐tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica have been described. However, two apparently separate areas, taxonomic status L. l . taymyrensis remains unclear. Here we compare in Middle East West Africa, respectively, respect to behaviour, area, morphology genetic differentation mitochondrial DNA. By tracking 52 individuals from staging over years, show that bred northern West‐Siberian Plain ( n = 19), while birds Africa further east, mostly Taimyr Peninsula 12). The groups differed significantly body size shape, also timing both northward southward migrations. they were not genetically differentiated, indicating phenotypic (i.e. geographical, morphological phenological) differences arose either very recently or without current reproductive isolation. We conclude taxon consists populations non‐overlapping flyways, which warrant treatment as units. propose distinguish a more narrowly defined Taimyr), new Plain).