Redshank

Tringa totanus

Redshank

Redshank

Quick Facts

Classification

Scientific name:

Tringa totanus

Family:

Sandpipers, snipes and phalaropes

Conservation status:

Amber

Measurements

Length:

28cm

Wingspan:

62cm

Weight:

110g to 130g

About the Redshank

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.

What does a Redshank eat?

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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Other birds in the Sandpipers, snipes and phalaropes family

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