Bar-tailed Godwits are primarily found in coastal habitats such as expansive mudflats, estuaries, and sandy beaches during their non-breeding seasons and migration. They prefer areas with rich invertebrate life, often foraging in shallow water or on exposed intertidal zones. During the breeding season, they inhabit open Arctic tundra environments.

Spotting a Bar-tailed Godwit involves looking for a medium-large wader with a proportionally long, slightly upturned bill. In breeding plumage, males display a striking reddish-chestnut on their head, neck, and underparts, while females are paler. In non-breeding plumage, they appear largely grey-brown above with whitish underparts. Their barred tail is a key identification feature, especially when seen in flight. Listen for their distinctive nasal 'kirrik-kirrik' call or a trilling 'wit-wit-wit' sound, particularly when disturbed or in flight. They forage by rhythmically probing deep into the mud or sand with their sensitive bill.

These birds are highly seasonal due to their migratory patterns. They are most commonly observed in their non-breeding grounds from late summer through winter and into early spring. Foraging activity is typically highest during low tide when their preferred feeding grounds are exposed. During the Arctic summer (May-July), they are found on their breeding grounds.