spotted redshank

Tringa erythropus

Last update: 15 Feb 2026

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Spotted Redshank Basic Information

Scientific Name	Tringa erythropus
Status	LC Least Concern
Size	29-33 cm (11-13 inch)
Colors	Grey White
Type	Waders
Family	Sandpipers, Snipes, Phalaropes

Introduction

The Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) is an elegant and sophisticated wader belonging to the family Scolopacidae. Renowned for its dramatic seasonal plumage changes, this bird is a highly sought-after sight for birdwatchers across its expansive migratory range in Eurasia and Africa.

Physical Appearance

Measuring between 29-32 cm in length, the Spotted Redshank is slightly larger and more slender than the Common Redshank. Its most striking feature is its seasonal color change: in the breeding season, it is almost entirely sooty-black with fine white spotting. In winter, it transitions to a very pale grey-brown above and white below. It possesses long, dark red legs and a long, fine bill with a characteristic red base on the lower mandible.

Habitat

During the breeding season, the Spotted Redshank favors Arctic and Subarctic bogs, marshes, and damp open larch forests. When migrating or wintering, they are commonly found in coastal estuaries, saltmarshes, lagoons, and inland freshwater wetlands, often preferring slightly deeper water than many other shorebirds.

Diet

The Spotted Redshank is a carnivorous feeder that primarily hunts in water. Its diet includes:

Aquatic insects and their larvae
Small crustaceans and mollusks
Small fish and amphibians
Marine worms

Breeding and Nesting

These birds nest on the ground, typically in open tundra or swampy woodland clearings. The nest is a simple scrape lined with local vegetation. A clutch usually contains four eggs. Interestingly, while both parents incubate, the female often leaves the brood shortly after the eggs hatch, leaving the male to care for the chicks until they can fly.

Behavior

Known for its active feeding style, the Spotted Redshank often wades into belly-deep water or even swims. They are frequently observed feeding in tight-knit groups, moving in a synchronized fashion to stir up prey from the sediment. Their flight is fast and direct, showing a white wedge on the back.

Conservation Status - LC Least Concern

The Spotted Redshank is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, like many migratory species, it faces threats from habitat loss in its wintering grounds and the effects of climate change on its delicate Arctic breeding habitats.

Interesting Facts

The Spotted Redshank is one of the few waders that develops a nearly pure black plumage during the breeding season.
They are surprisingly good swimmers and are often seen foraging in water too deep for other waders.
Their distinctive call is a sharp, two-syllable 'teu-it', which is easily recognizable to experienced birders.

Tips for Birdwatchers

To spot a Spotted Redshank, look for a wader that is longer-legged and longer-billed than the Common Redshank. In winter, look for their exceptionally pale appearance. They are often found in freshwater flashes or the upper reaches of tidal creeks where the water is calmer.

Conclusion

The Spotted Redshank is a remarkable migratory species that bridges the gap between the Arctic wilderness and tropical wetlands. Its unique appearance and specialized foraging behavior make it a highlight of the avian world for enthusiasts and researchers alike.