Greenshank

📍 Local Expert Tip

“The Greenshank is generally a passage migrant in small numbers along the edge of the Estuary. However since 2019 a bird has wintered being faithful to the Houseboat Channel where it regularly chases its smaller cousins, the Redshanks, making them drop food items.”

🔍 Overview

Elegant and long-legged, the Greenshank is a graceful wader seen in Sussex on passage, with some wintering in milder areas.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Medium-large wader (30–35 cm)
Plumage: Grey-brown above, pale below
Distinctive Marks: Slightly upturned bill, greenish legs
Bill: Long and slightly upturned
Tail: White rump and uppertail
Flight: Swift and buoyant

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Found at Lower Adur Valley SSSI and Pulborough Brooks on migration.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Clear “teu-teu-teu” flight call. Feeds with elegant, deliberate motion.

🍴 Diet

Small fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects.

📸 Birding Tip

Best spotted during spring and autumn migration, especially around shallow lagoons or muddy pools.