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 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 (winter plumage)
