ExploreBirds

Common Greenshank

Tringa nebularia

The Common Greenshank is a beautiful bird with long legs and a long beak. It loves to wade in shallow waters looking for tasty snacks like insects and small fish.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Common Greenshank has a sleek grey-brown body with clean white underparts and a striking white wedge up its back visible in flight. It stands on long, greenish-grey legs, with a distinct long, slightly upturned bill of the same colour.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusTringa
Common Greenshank
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Common Greenshank

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Common Greenshanks often nest on dry ground, hidden in tussocks of grass!

Greenshanks get their name from their bright greenish-grey legs!

Their unique upturned bill helps them probe for food in a special way!

These clever birds sometimes chase fish into shallow water to catch them!

Special abilities

Ability

Whistle Beacon

Common Greenshank can emit a loud, clear whistle call that helps them communicate across vast wetlands.

Ability

Mud Navigator

Common Greenshank has a super-sensitive bill that helps them feel and catch hidden prey in muddy waters.

Ability

Deep Wader

Common Greenshank has remarkably long legs that help them wade into deeper water than many shorebirds to find food.

Measurements & details

Length
30-35 cm
Wingspan
68-75 cm
Weight
0.15-0.3 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
22-26 days
Migration Distance
8000 km

Diet & Feeding

They love to eat small fish, insects, and crustaceans from shallow water or mud.

Primary Foods

  • Small fish
  • Crustaceans
  • Aquatic insects
  • Worms

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Adults can be predated by this swift hunter.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Foxes prey on eggs, chicks, and sometimes adults.

eats

Three-spined Stickleback

Gasterosteus aculeatus

Actively hunts small fish in shallow water habitats.

eats

European Green Crab

Carcinus maenas

Forages for various crustaceans on tidal flats.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Common Greenshank?

30-35 cm

What is Common Greenshank's wingspan?

68-75 cm

How much does Common Greenshank weigh?

0.15-0.3 kg

How long does Common Greenshank live?

10-12 years

How fast can Common Greenshank move?

70 km/h

What does Common Greenshank eat?

They love to eat small fish, insects, and crustaceans from shallow water or mud.

Where is Common Greenshank usually found?

Wetlands

How does Common Greenshank hunt?

Foraging

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