Species Profile
Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
Greenshank
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
30–35 cm
Weight
130–260 g
Wingspan
55–65 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Common Greenshank
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Appearance
The Greenshank is a medium-sized wader with a distinctive long, slightly upturned bill and long greenish-grey legs. Its plumage is primarily grey above and white below, with fine dark streaking on the head and neck during the breeding season.
Male and female Greenshanks are alike in plumage, although females are usually noticeably larger than males.
In flight, it displays a striking white wedge up its back and a square white rump. Non-breeding adults and juveniles have a plainer appearance with less distinct markings.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Green
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Greenshanks breed in the subarctic regions of northern Europe and Asia, favouring open, boggy areas near water. During migration and winter, they are found along coastlines, estuaries, and inland wetlands across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
In the UK, they are common passage migrants, with some overwintering birds. During spring and autumn migrations, they can be spotted in coastal areas and inland wetlands throughout the country. Most sightings are reported at estuaries around the coast of south-west England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and western Scotland.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Wales
Rutland
Cambridgeshire
Cornwall
Devon
Dorset
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Lancashire
Lincolnshire
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
North Yorkshire
South Yorkshire
Suffolk
Stockton-on-Tees
West Sussex
Diet
Greenshanks are carnivorous, often feeding in flocks, primarily on small fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic insects. They use their long bills to probe mud and sand and sometimes chase small fish in shallow water. Their diet may vary seasonally and geographically based on prey availability.
Larvae of beetles and other insects are also popular, and rodents may occasionally be eaten. In winter, crabs are particularly important.
Behaviour
Greenshanks are often seen wading in shallow water, using their long bills to probe for prey. They are known for their alert posture and quick, nervous movements. During the breeding season, males perform aerial displays, calling loudly while flying in wide circles over their territory.
Calls & Sounds
The Greenshank has a distinctive, clear call often described as a ringing 'teu-teu-teu' or 'chew-chew-chew' that is easily recognised among wading birds
During the breeding season, males produce a yodelling song that sounds like 'tlui-tlui-tlui'. Their alarm call is a sharp, loud 'tik-tik-tik', often given in flight, both during the day and night.
Nesting & Breeding
Greenshanks breed in the subarctic, typically arriving at nesting grounds in May. Males establish territories and perform aerial displays to attract females. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often hidden in grass or heather. Females typically lay 4 pale green eggs with dark spots. Both parents share incubation duties.
Incubation lasts about 24 days, and chicks fledge after 25-31 days. Parents continue to care for the young for several weeks after they have fledged.
Conservation
While the Greenshank is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key wetland habitats along their migration routes and in breeding areas.
Elevation
Up to 2,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include large birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons and Gyrfalcons, as well as Arctic foxes and other mammals that prey on eggs and chicks.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Greenshanks in coastal estuaries, mudflats, and inland wetlands
- Listen for their distinctive 'teu-teu-teu' call, often given in flight
- Observe their feeding behaviour, characterised by rapid probing in shallow water
- In the UK, watch for them during spring and autumn migrations
Did You Know?
- Greenshanks can swim and have been observed feeding in deeper water, unlike many other wader species.
- They have exceptionally long legs, allowing them to wade deeper than many other shorebirds.
- Some Greenshanks migrate over 10,000 kilometres (over 6,000 miles) between their breeding and wintering grounds.
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