Redshank
Tringa totanus
The Redshank is a medium-sized wader that can be seen in Britain, particularly during the breeding season in wetlands and coastal areas, and during migration periods in a variety of habitats. It is a common sight in the UK, with notable populations in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and eastern England.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Redshank in the field.
The Redshank can be identified by its distinctive red legs, white wing bars, and a brownish-grey back with white underside, as well as its long, straight bill. Its overall appearance is also characterized by a slender build and a rounded breast.
The Redshank is slightly larger than a Blackbird, but smaller than a Curlew, making it a medium-sized bird that is easily recognizable in the field.
The male Redshank has a brownish-grey back and wings, with a white underside and a black stripe running across its forehead, and its plumage becomes more subdued in winter, with a greyish-brown hue replacing the summer's richer colours.
The female Redshank is similar to the male, with slight variations in the intensity of the colours, but overall the sexes are not readily distinguishable by plumage alone.
The Redshank's call is a loud, piercing "teu-teu-teu" or "chew-chew-chew", often heard during the breeding season or when the bird is alarmed.
Redshanks are active feeders, probing into mud and water with their long bills in search of small invertebrates, and they are also known for their agile flight, often twisting and turning in pursuit of prey or to avoid predators.
The Redshank can be confused with the Spotted Redshank, but the latter has a longer bill, a more slender build, and a distinctive spotted breeding plumage, and the Greenshank, which has a longer, more upturned bill and a greener leg colour.
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