Common Greenshank

Common Greenshank

Scientific Name: Tringa nebularia

Malay Name: Kedidi Kaki Hijau Biasa

Chinese Name: 青脚鹬

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.

Taxonomy: Monotypic.

Size: 27-29 cm

Identification: A medium-sized wader with dirty green legs. Similar to the very rare Nordmann's Greenshank, but with thinner and duller bill, duller legs and darker looking upperparts. Distinguished from the uncommon Marsh Sandpiper by its bigger size and thicker bill with greenish bill base.

Similar looking species: Marsh Sandpiper, Nordmann's Greenshank

Habitat: Mudflats, sandflats and brackish lagoons.

Behaviour/Ecology: Gregarious, though they do not seem to associate with Common Redshanks locally.

Local Status: Uncommon migrant

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

Location: Any site with suitable habitat such as Sungei Buloh and Seletar Dam.

Featured articles:

Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Estimated average number of individuals by week based on eBird data, Jul 2014 to Jun 2024
Peak week Jan 15-Jan 21
Early date 03 Jul 2022
Late date 28 Jun 1988
Another one of the commoner shorebirds, early arrivals of this species are in August, with significant numbers present throughout the migratory season.
Common Greenshank at Pasir Ris Farmway 3. Photo Credit: Francis Yap
Common Greenshank at SBWR. Photo credit: Francis Yap
Common Greenshank at Seletar Dam. Photo credit: Francis Yap
Common Greenshank at Seletar Dam. Photo credit: Francis Yap

External Links:

Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page

Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link

Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link

eBird Species page: eBird (Common Greenshank)

References:

BirdLife International. (2016). Tringa nebularia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22693220A86684205.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.

RECOMMENDED CITATION

Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Common Greenshank. Retrieved on May 12, 2025 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/common-greenshank.

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