Spotted Redshank

The Spotted Redshank, Tringa erythropus, is a striking wader belonging to the family Scolopacidae. This elegant bird is characterized by its long, slender legs and bill, both of which are a vivid red in breeding plumage. Adults transform from a sleek black during the breeding season to a very pale grey in winter. A distinctive white oval on the back is visible in flight, and juveniles can be recognized by their grey-brown speckled white upperparts and finely barred underparts.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Spotted Redshank, look for its long red legs and bill, particularly during the breeding season. In flight, the white oval on the back is a key feature. The bird measures 29–31 cm in length, with a wingspan of 61–67 cm, and weighs between 121 to 205 grams. The transformation from black breeding plumage to pale winter plumage is quite dramatic, making seasonal identification an intriguing challenge.

Habitat

The Spotted Redshank breeds in the Arctic expanses of the Palearctic, favoring open boggy taiga. Its preference for such remote and undisturbed habitats is a testament to its wild nature.

Distribution

This bird has a broad breeding range across northern Scandinavia and the northern Palearctic. It migrates southwards to winter in warmer climes, including the Mediterranean, southern British Isles, France, tropical Africa, and tropical Asia. It is also known to be an occasional vagrant to Australia and North America.

Behaviour

The Spotted Redshank is a migratory species, undertaking long journeys between its breeding and wintering grounds. It is also known for its complete moult between July and October, and a spring moult of body plumage between March and May. Juveniles undergo a partial moult from August to February.

Song & Calls

The Spotted Redshank's call is a distinctive creaking whistle, reminiscent of 'teu-it', somewhat akin to the call of a roseate tern. When alarmed, it emits a 'kyip-kyip-kyip' sound.

Breeding

During the breeding season, the Spotted Redshank adopts a dramatic black to dark grey plumage with white spots, and even its legs turn a dark grey. It nests on the open boggy taiga, laying four eggs in a simple ground scrape.

Diet and Feeding

In its natural habitat, the Spotted Redshank forages for small invertebrates, a diet typical of waders.

Conservation status

The Spotted Redshank is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), reflecting the international effort to ensure its future.