Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Tringa totanus
Family: Sandpipers and Allies · Status: Common migrant · Size: 30–34 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Breeds in the Palearctic from central Europe to eastern Siberia; winters in tropical Africa through the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent to Southeast Asia.
A medium-sized wader with bright orange-red legs. Told from much rarer Spotted Redshank by shorter, thicker bill with less red on bill base, and extensive white on secondaries in flight. Grey-tailed Tattler has yellow (not red) legs. Terek Sandpiper may show orange legs but has an upturned bill. Black spotting on breast, flanks, vent, and upperparts in breeding plumage may still be apparent on some individuals as late as August. Non-breeding adult has greyer upperparts, breast finely streaked.
Mudflats, sandflats, and brackish lagoons.
Normally gregarious. Highly active while feeding, running to grab food, occasionally probing. Feeds diurnally and nocturnally.