Tringa totanus
Scientific name:
Tringa totanus
Family:
Sandpipers, snipes and phalaropesConservation status:
Amber
Length:
28cm
Wingspan:
62cm
Weight:
110g to 130g
The redshank is a large wading bird that has bright orange legs - these are by far the most distinctive features of this bird. Their bodies are mainly a speckled brown colour and they have paler bellies. The bill is straight and medium lengthed and is at the orange base and black at the end.
Redshanks are quite widespread, but you're more likely to see them in northern England and Scotland. In the winter, these birds can be seen in great numbers around coastal wetlands and estuaries.
Their diets consist of insects, crustaceans, molluscs and earthworms. Redshanks hunt for their food by digging their beaks into mud and soil.
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