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Conservation status: Green

A medium-sized slim wader with a dark grey back and white underparts. Its long green legs and slightly up-turned bill help to distinguish it from other waders. It calls regularly and is seen singly and in small groups.

Overview

Latin name

Tringa nebularia

Family

Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)

Where to see them

Confined to the N and W of Scotland in summer around boggy moorland and peatland pools. On migration it can be found across the UK, inland around lakes and freshwater marshes, as well as at coastal wetlands and estuaries, with the largest numbers close to the coast. In winter it is found on the estuaries of SW England, Wales, W Scotland and N Ireland.

When to see them

On breeding grounds from April to August. Passage birds most likely to be seen in April and May and between July and September, travelling from and to African wintering grounds. Wintering birds are seen from October to March.

What they eat

Worms, snails and fish

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-720-1,480 pairs610 birds4,790 birds (autumn)

Distribution

Key

Illustrations

Audio

Patrik Aberg, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Greenshank

Greenshank - breeding plumage
  • Size: between pigeon-mallard
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, grey, cream/buff
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff, greenish
  • Beak length: long
  • Beak thickness: long
  • Beak shape: long
  • Leg colour: black/grey, green
  • Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground