Spotted Redshank
NameSpotted Redshank
Common NameSpotted Redshank
Scientific NameTringa erythropus
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)64
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)160
Plumage DetailsIn breeding plumage, the bird is predominantly dark sooty-brown to black, with fine white spots and barring on the back, wings, and flanks. The underparts are also dark. The bill is long, slender, and slightly upturned, with a reddish base and dark tip. Legs are dark red.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, clear, and fluty 'tew-tew-tew' or 'chu-it', often given in flight or when alarmed.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatstaiga, tundra, bogs, marshes, freshwater pools, coastal lagoons, estuaries, mudflats, saltmarshes
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across northern Eurasia, from Scandinavia east through Siberia. Winters in coastal areas of Europe, Africa, and Asia, extending south to Australia.
Identifying FeaturesLong, slender, slightly upturned bill with reddish base (in breeding plumage), Long dark red legs, Dark sooty-black plumage with white spots in breeding season, Pale grey and white plumage in non-breeding season with prominent supercilium, Distinctive fluty call, White rump and barred tail visible in flight
Description
The Spotted Redshank is a medium-sized wader with long legs and a slender bill. In breeding plumage, as seen here, it is largely dark sooty-brown to black with fine white spotting, contrasting with its paler non-breeding attire. It typically forages actively in shallow water, probing for invertebrates.
