Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
The Greenshank is a medium-sized wader that can be seen in Britain during its migration periods, typically from July to October and from March to May, often in wetlands, estuaries, and coastal areas. It is a rare breeding bird in Britain, but can be found in small numbers in the northern parts of the country.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Greenshank in the field.
The Greenshank can be identified by its long, greenish-grey legs, distinctive white eyering, and a long, straight bill, which are noticeable at a glance.
The Greenshank is slightly larger than a Redshank, but smaller than a Lapwing.
The male Greenshank has a grey-brown back and wings, with a white belly and a pale grey breast, with a subtle mottling of dark brown on its upperparts, and its plumage does not vary significantly with the seasons.
The female Greenshank is similar to the male in terms of plumage, with no significant differences in colour or pattern.
The Greenshank's call is a loud, sharp "tu-tu-tu" or "chew-chew-chew", often repeated in a series of three or more notes.
The Greenshank is a migratory bird that feeds on small invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and worms, by probing its long bill into mud and water, and it is known for its swift and agile flight.
The Greenshank can be confused with the Redshank, but can be distinguished by its longer legs, straighter bill, and lack of a reddish hue on its legs, as well as its more subdued plumage tones.
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