Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Species
Greenshank (Tringa nebularia). Taken on Bryher, Isles of Scilly, on April 16th 2011.
Taken on Bryher, Isles of Scilly, on April 16th 2011.
(1/800th sec at f11. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)

Description

L: 30 - 34 cm; WS: 55 - 62 cm

A medium-sized wader with a dark grey back and white underparts. Its long green legs and slightly up-turned bill help to distinguish it from other waders.

The Greenshank is largely a passage migrant in the British Isles, en route to and from its wintering grounds in Africa and its breeding grounds in northern Scandinavia and Russia. Some birds over-winter in south-west England and around 1000 pairs breed in northern Scotland.

On migration it can be found across the UK, inland around lakes and freshwater marshes, as well as at coastal wetlands and estuaries.

Greenshank call regularly, and are seen singly and in small groups.

The Greenshank has green status on the British list.

Sightings

28-Apr-2021 : Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon (1)

14-Sep-2019 : Radley Lakes, Oxon (1)
21-May-2019 : Broadford, Skye (1)

12-Mar-2018 : Fuerteventura, Canary Islands (1)

12-Oct-2017 : Cley Marshes, Norfolk (h)
26-Aug-2017 : Otmoor, Oxon (2)

14-May-2016 : Otmoor, Oxon (1)

23-Oct-2015 : Cley Marshes, Norfolk (2)

01-Aug-2014 : Leighton Moss, Lancashire (2)
31-Jul-2014 : Leighton Moss, Lancashire (1)

29-May-2012 : Newtown Harbour NNR, Isle of Wight (1)

16-Apr-2011 : Bryher, Isles of Scilly (1)

05-Mar-2009 : Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
03-Mar-2009 : Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

25-Aug-2006 : Tophill Low, E. Yorks

14-Aug-2005 : Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk
22-May-2005 : Quinta da Rocha, Portugal
17-May-2005 : Ludo Marsh, Portugal