Sandpipers · Shorebirds
Common Greenshank
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Tringa nebularia
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Voice
Call
Call
Call
How to recognize it
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Up to 35 cm long
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Long greenish legs; long bill with a slightly upturned tip
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White wedge on the back in flight
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Rapid series of three short fluty notes, "teu-teu-teu"
About the species
In breeding plumage, the Common Greenshank is brown above and white below. In winter, its back turns grey-brown while the belly stays white. Long greenish-grey legs show beneath it, and the long bill has a grey base with a slight upward curve at the tip. A white wedge appears on its back in flight.
It is generally wary and cautious, and catches small fish straight from the water. Its usual call is a quick run of three short, fluty notes: "teu-teu-teu."
It breeds from May to July on dry ground near marshes across northern Europe and northern Asia. After breeding, it migrates south to fresh water in Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Australasia. Around marshes, reservoirs and rivers, it feeds on small invertebrates and amphibians.
Where to find
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During May–July in northern Europe and northern Asia, look over dry ground beside marshes — Common Greenshanks make a shallow, grass-lined scrape there.
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At rivers, watch a long, slightly upturned bill lift small fish from the water.
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Beside marshes and reservoirs, look for feeding on worms, crustaceans, insects and their larvae.
