Grey-tailed Tattler
Tringa brevipes
The Grey-tailed Tattler is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen on coastal wetlands and estuaries during the spring and autumn, with most sightings occurring in the western and northern parts of the country. It is a small shorebird that is more commonly associated with the eastern Pacific and Asian regions.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Grey-tailed Tattler in the field.
The Grey-tailed Tattler can be identified by its grey-brown back, white underside, and distinctive grey tail, as well as its black stripes on its neck and breast, and its relatively short legs.
The Grey-tailed Tattler is slightly smaller than a Redshank, with a more compact body.
The male Grey-tailed Tattler has a breeding plumage characterized by a grey-brown back, white underside, and black stripes on its neck and breast, with a grey tail and a white stripe above its eye.
The female Grey-tailed Tattler is similar to the male, with slight variations in the intensity of the breeding plumage colours.
The Grey-tailed Tattler's call is a loud, sharp "tu-tu-tu" or "chit-chit-chit", often repeated in a series of three or more notes.
The Grey-tailed Tattler is a probing feeder, using its short bill to search for small invertebrates in mud and sand, and it is often seen running or standing still, rather than walking, as it forages for food.
The Grey-tailed Tattler can be confused with the Common Redshank, but it can be distinguished by its grey tail, shorter legs, and more compact body, as well as its distinctive call and breeding plumage markings.
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