Common Greenshank

Tringa nebularia

Family: Sandpipers and Allies · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: 27–29 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds in the Northern Palearctic from central Europe to eastern Siberia; winters in tropical Africa through the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent to Southeast Asia and Australia.

Identification

A medium-sized wader with dirty olive-green legs and a medium-length, slightly upturned bill. In non-breeding plumage, shows grey-brown wings, clean white underparts, crown to hindneck lightly streaked grey, and white back and rump visible in flight. In breeding plumage, shows darker wings, nape, head, and face, with dark streaking across breast and flanks. Distinguished from Marsh Sandpiper by bigger size and heavier overall structure, and thicker bill. Similar to the very rare Nordmann's Greenshank, but with longer legs, a thinner and duller bill, and darker upperparts with finer dark markings; toes project significantly beyond tail-tip in flight.

Habitat

Mudflats, sandflats, mangroves, and sometimes, freshwater wetlands.