Redshank
Tringa totanus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Redshank is a medium-sized wader with distinctive bright orange-red legs. Its upperparts are greyish-brown, while the underparts are white with dark streaks. The long, straight bill is orange-red at the base and black at the tip. They have a faint stripe through each eye.
During the breeding season, Redshanks display more heavily spotted and barred plumage. Females appear similar to males, although they are larger, with paler underparts.
Juveniles resemble adults but have buff-edged feathers on the upperparts, giving them a scaly appearance.
Size
Length
27cm to 29cm
Wingspan
45cm to 52cm
Weight
85g to 155g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Orange Red Black
Leg Colour
Orange Red
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Redshanks inhabit coastal mudflats, saltmarshes, and estuaries, as well as inland wetlands such as flooded grasslands and the edges of freshwater lakes. They breed across Europe and Asia, from Iceland to Siberia.
In winter, many birds migrate south to Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. In the UK, Redshanks are year-round residents, with numbers boosted by winter visitors from Iceland and northern Europe.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Redshank. 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
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
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 Redshank demonstrates high agility with its rapid wingbeats, quick head and body bobbing, and ability to wade through shallow water whilst foraging. Their nervous behaviour and swift reactions to potential threats further indicate impressive agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a medium-sized wader, the Redshank possesses moderate strength. Whilst capable of long-distance migration, they are not particularly powerful birds compared to larger species. Their ability to probe mud with their bills suggests some strength, but not exceptionally so.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Redshanks show good adaptability, inhabiting various wetland environments from coastal mudflats to inland lakes. Their ability to swim and dive when necessary, and their reported tool use (dropping leaves to attract fish) demonstrate adaptable behaviour. However, their specific habitat requirements limit full marks.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Redshanks exhibit moderate aggressiveness, particularly during breeding season. Their loud alarm calls and tendency to mob potential predators indicate a protective nature. However, they are not known for extreme aggression compared to some other bird species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Redshank's endurance is evidenced by its partial migratory behaviour, with some populations undertaking long-distance flights. Their ability to wade for extended periods whilst foraging also suggests good endurance. However, they are not amongst the most extreme long-distance migrants, hence not receiving top marks.
Diet
Redshanks feed on a variety of small invertebrates, including worms, molluscs, and crustaceans. They use their long bills to probe mud and shallow water, often seen rapidly pecking at the surface, although they will take swimming prey like tadpoles and small fish when possible.
During the breeding season, they may also consume some plant material.
Behaviour
Redshanks are often seen wading in shallow water, probing the mud with their bills for food. They are known for their nervous behaviour, frequently bobbing their heads and bodies.
When alarmed, they emit loud calls and fly off with rapid wingbeats, showing a distinctive white wedge up their back and on their wings.
Vocalisation
Redshanks are vocal birds known for their loud, clear calls. Their alarm call is a distinctive 'teu-hu' or 'klee-u', often repeated rapidly when disturbed.
During the breeding season, males perform long display flights accompanied by a yodelling 'teu-teu-teu' song. In flight, they often give a sharp 'kip-kip-kip' call.
Nesting & Breeding
Redshanks begin breeding at one year old, forming monogamous pairs. The breeding season typically starts in April and extends through July in most of their range.
Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often hidden in tussocks of grass or other vegetation. Females usually lay four eggs, which are pale green to buff with dark brown spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 24 days. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching. They fledge after 25-35 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Redshanks face threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and managing wetland habitats, particularly in key breeding and wintering areas across Europe and Asia.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Redshanks in coastal mudflats, estuaries, and inland wetlands
- Listen for their loud, clear 'teu-hu' alarm call
- Observe their distinctive red legs and white wing bars in flight
- In the UK, visit nature reserves along the coast for the best chances of spotting them
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Common Redshank
Family:
ScolopacidaeAverage Lifespan
4 to 6 years
Max Lifespan
26.9 years [4]
Predators
Redshanks are preyed upon by various raptors, including Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, and Sparrowhawks. Ground predators such as foxes and rats may also take eggs and chicks.
Did You Know?
- Redshanks have been known to use tools, dropping leaves on water to attract fish.
- They can swim and dive when necessary, especially to escape predators.
- The Redshank's scientific name, Tringa totanus, is derived from Ancient Greek and Latin words referring to a 'wader' and 'tottering' gait.
FAQs
Why are they called Redshank?
Redshanks get their delightfully descriptive common name from their bright orange legs. They share this feature with a similar but much rarer wader, the Spotted Redshank.
Do Redshanks swim?
Redshanks can swim, although their long legs and unwebbed feet are not ideal for moving through the water. Birdwatchers are far likelier to spot them walking along the bank or wading in the shallows.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Tringa totanus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22693211A86687799.
View source - 2 3
report, 2015: EBCC
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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