Redshank
A wading bird with bright red legs
The redshank (Tringa totanus) is a medium-sized wader that is resident around the coast of Great Britain and is also seen as a summer visitor on inland waters, especially in Scotland and northern England. The birds seen in winter in south-west England are mainly visitors from Iceland.
Appearance
Redshanks are up to 28 centimetres (11 inches in length) with long red legs and feet and longish bills that are redder towards the base. The plumage, which is similar in males and females, is brown, being darker above than below. In winter the brown fades to grey. Towards the rear, there are areas of white, including the hind parts of the wings and a V-shape on the rump that is visible when the bird is in flight.
Behaviour
The redshank is a noisy bird, with a strong alarm call and high-pitched whistle, often heard as the bird takes to the air. The flight is fast and jerky, with shallow wing beats. On the ground the redshank is nervous and wary, bobbing its head and stretching its neck to spot any danger.
Their food consists mainly of the worms, larvae, molluscs and crustaceans that they find in the mud, plus insects and spiders from the shore.