A medium-sized slim 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. It calls regularly and is seen singly and in small groups.
Key ID Features
Despite a lack of strong pattern or colour this wader is strikingly elegant.
Noticeably bigger than Redshank.
Long green legs under clean white underparts contrast with the grey, scaly upper parts of the winter adult, which has a pale, streaked head and neck and a greyish upturned bill.
The upper parts of the summer adults are browner with blackish spots and the breast is streaked.
A white rump extends along the back visible in flight.
A loud ringing, even-pitched call echoing around estuaries announces its presence.
Overview
Scientific name: Tringa nebularia
Family: Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)
Where to see them:
Confined to the N and W of Scotland in summer around boggy moorland and peatland pools. On migration it can be found across the UK, inland around lakes and freshwater marshes, as well as at coastal wetlands and estuaries, with the largest numbers close to the coast. In winter it is found on the estuaries of SW England, Wales, W Scotland and N Ireland.
Seen in UK:
On breeding grounds from April to August. Passage birds most likely to be seen in April and May and between July and September, travelling from and to African wintering grounds. Wintering birds are seen from October to March.
What they eat
Worms, snails and fish.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
