One interesting fact about the Long-Billed Dowitcher is that its bill is no longer than the Short-Billed Dowitcher. In fact the two species are very difficult to tell apart. Both transit through in the Vancouver area. The Long-Billed Dowitcher tends to prefer fresh water whereas the Short-Billed prefers salty water. The Long-Billed also passes through after the Short-Billed has left.
These birds have a unique flexible tip on their bills. They can thrust their bills into the hard mud, then open just the tip to catch whatever worm that is unlucky enough to reside at the drilling site.