Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
30cm to 35cm
Wingspan
55cm to 65cm
Weight
130g to 260g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey White
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Green
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Greenshank. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Greenshank displays remarkable agility, with quick, nervous movements and the ability to wade in shallow water whilst rapidly probing for prey. Their aerial displays during breeding season further demonstrate their nimbleness in flight.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong for their size, Greenshanks possess sufficient strength to undertake long-distance migrations, sometimes covering over 10,000 kilometres. Their ability to swim also suggests a moderate level of strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Greenshanks show high adaptability, thriving in various habitats from subarctic breeding grounds to tropical wintering areas. Their diverse diet and ability to feed in different water depths demonstrate considerable adaptability to varying environmental conditions.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Greenshanks are not particularly aggressive birds. They maintain territories during breeding season, but there's no evidence of exceptional aggression. Their alert posture suggests a cautious rather than aggressive nature.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Greenshank's endurance is impressive, evidenced by their long-distance migrations and ability to breed in harsh subarctic conditions. Their lifespan of 10-15 years in the wild also indicates strong endurance for a medium-sized bird.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
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.
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.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Tringa nebularia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22693220A86684205.
View source - 2 3
report, 2015: BirdLife International, Wetlands International
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