Back to photostream

Greenshank, Tringa nebularia

'A reflective moment'. An elegant sandpiper, the Greenshank caught here foraging in shallow waters, East Anglia.

 

Many thanks for visiting my Flickr pages ...Your visits, interest, comments and kindness to 'fave' my photos is very much appreciated, Steve.

 

Greenshank Notes:-

 

The Greenshank breeds on the boggy moors and ancient peatlands of Scotland. But it can be spotted elsewhere in the UK as it passes through on migration - look around lakes, marshes and the coast.

 

Species information

Category: Wading birds

 

Statistics

Length: 30-35cm

Wingspan: 69cm

Weight: 190g

Average lifespan: 9 years

 

Conservation status

Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

 

When to see: January to December

 

About

A large, elegant sandpiper, the Greenshank feeds in shallow waters, often chasing small invertebrates and fish, which it hunts by sight. During summer, Greenshank are found only on moors and bogs in Scotland, but during migration, they can be found across the UK on inland freshwater lakes and marshes, and coastal wetlands.

 

How to identify

Greenshank can be distinguished from similar-sized waders like Redshank and godwits by the colour of their legs: grey-green. Adults are olive-grey above and silvery-white below, with dark streaking on the breast. Greenshank have long, slightly upturned, grey bills.

 

Distribution

A passage migrant and scarce visitor winter visitor to shallow wetlands inland and around the coast. Nests on the boggy 'flow country' of northern Scotland.

 

Habitats

Heathland and moorlandFreshwaterCoastalWetlands

 

Did you know?

Greenshank breed in the UK, but can also be spotted as they pass through on migration to and from their African wintering grounds. WT Notes.

1,655 views
50 faves
24 comments
Uploaded on March 1, 2022
Taken on September 10, 2021