Spotted Redshank
Image: jernoe (cc-by-nc)
NameSpotted Redshank
Common NameSpotted Redshank
Scientific NameTringa erythropus
FamilyScolopacidae
Wingspan (cm)64
Length (cm)31
Weight (g)170
Plumage DetailsNon-breeding adults (as pictured) have grey upperparts with fine white spotting, a prominent white supercilium, and white underparts. The bill is long, slender, and black with a reddish base. Legs are bright red. Breeding adults are distinctive, appearing almost entirely sooty black with fine white spotting on the upperparts and flanks.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, clear, and fluty 'tew-tew-tew' or 'chu-it', often given in flight. It also produces a sharp 'chip' note.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, mudflats, marshes, lakeshores, coastal lagoons, tundra
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Spotted Redshank breeds across the taiga and tundra zones of northern Eurasia, from Scandinavia to eastern Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in coastal wetlands and estuaries from western Europe and Africa south to southern Asia and Australia.
Identifying Featureslong, slender bill with reddish base, long bright red legs, white supercilium (non-breeding plumage), grey upperparts with white spotting (non-breeding plumage), distinctive all-black plumage with white spots (breeding plumage), fluty 'tew-tew-tew' call
Description
The Spotted Redshank is a medium-sized wader characterized by its long, slender bill and striking red legs. In non-breeding plumage, it appears grey above with fine spotting and white below, while breeding adults are almost entirely black with white speckles. It typically forages in shallow water or muddy areas, probing for aquatic invertebrates.
