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  • Greenshank

Greenshank

Greenshank
Greenshank
Greenshank (winter plumage)
Greenshank (winter plumage)
  • Scientific name: Tringa nebularia
  • Bird family: Sandpipers, snipes and phalaropes
  • UK conservation status: Amber
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Audio

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Patrik Aberg, Xeno-canto

Key information

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.

What they eat:

Worms, snails and fish

Measurements:

Length:
32cm
Wingspan:
69cm
Weight:
190g

Population:

UK breeding:
700-1,500 pairs
UK wintering:
700 birds
UK passage:
1400 birds

Identifying features:

Greenshank

Greenshank, summer plumage
Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff Grey White
Leg colour: Green
Beak: Black Brown Green Long Curved Thin
Natural habitats: Marine and intertidal Wetland

Similar birds:

  • Spotted redshank, breeding plumage
    Spotted redshank
  • Redshank, summer plumage
    Redshank

Where and when to see them

The greenshank is 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.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Greenshank distribution map

Greenshank can be seen 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.

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RSPB reserves

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Video

Video

Footage of greenshank in their natural wetland habitat.

Footage of greenshank in their natural wetland habitat.

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Greenshank video screenshot

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