Belongs to: large waders

Greenshank Tringa nebularia


Best time to see: Oct to mid Nov

Key facts

Long-legged greyish wader of marshes and estuaries

Habitat: freshwater marshes, moors and estuaries

Double passage migrant mainly in autumn; breeds in Scotland and Scandinavia and winters in S. Europe

Recognition

Greyish wader with long greenish legs and grey upturned bill

Runs around in shallows feeding frantically

Eats molluscs, crustaceans and worms

Lifecycle

Nest is a hollow on ground

1 Brood May to June; 4 buff eggs blotched brown

  • Main photo

Photo © Gerald Downey