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  • Spotted redshank

Spotted redshank

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

spotted redshank call audio

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Patrik Aberg, xeno-canto

Key information

The spotted redshank is a medium sized elegant wading bird, slightly larger than a redshank. In summer plumage the adults are almost entirely black, save for some white 'spotting' on the wings, a white `wedge' on the back showing clearly in flight and a barred tail. In winter they have a grey back and paler under parts, with a more prominent eye stripe than a redshank and lacking a redshank's white wing bars.

They migrate from northern European across and northern Siberian breeding areas, to winter in Europe, Africa, China and South-east Asia. They are a relatively scarce wintering species in the UK, with more than half the population found at fewer than ten sites, making them an Amber List species.

What they eat:

Insect larvae, shrimps, small fish and worms.

Measurements:

Length:
29-31cm
Wingspan:
61-67cm
Weight:
140-200g

Population:

UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.
UK wintering:
98 birds
UK passage:
540 birds

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Spotted redshank (summer plumage)

Spotted redshank, breeding plumage
Feather colour: Black Brown White
Leg colour: Brown Orange Red
Beak: Black Orange Red Long Thin
Natural habitats: Grassland Marine and intertidal Wetland

Spotted redshank (winter plumage)

Spotted Redshank, winter plumage
Feather colour: Brown Grey White
Leg colour: Orange
Beak: Black Orange Red Long Thin
Natural habitats: Grassland Marine and intertidal Wetland

Similar birds:

Redshank, summer plumage
Redshank
Greenshank, summer plumage
Greenshank

Where and when to see them

Spotted redshanks spend winter on coastal wetland sites, especially in North Kent and Essex, Hampshire and West Wales.

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

Southward migration of spotted redshanks takes place in July and August with most birds passing through the UK in September. Wintering birds remain until April and May.

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