Spotted redshank

Appearance

The spotted redshank (Tringa erythropus) is slightly larger than the more familiar redshank, at 29-31 centimetres. However, it is similar in appearance in many respects, and the two could easily be confused with each other. The spotted redshank is slimmer than the redshank and its bill and legs are longer. The bill also has a slight droop towards the tip.

In summer the difference between the two species is far more obvious, because the spotted redshank turns almost completely black with fine white speckles on the back and wings. The winter plumage, after a complete moult between July and October, is much more like that of the redshank, being generally grey-brown with the chest and underparts being much lighter than the upperparts. Males and females have similar plumage, although females tend to have more flecking on their summer plumage than males.

Distribution and habitat

However, the spotted redshank is more likely to be spotted (pardon the pun) in the United Kingdom in winter than in summer. It breeds in northern Scandinavia and further east into Russia and Siberia but moves south for the winter and may be seen over much of Europe and Asia, including the southern coasts of England and Ireland. It may also be seen on British coasts during the migration periods which are at a peak in April/May and September.

Breeding

The nest of the spotted redshank is a scrape in the ground lined with a few leaves or pieces of vegetation. The nest site will be on boggy or marshy ground, but with woodland close by. A clutch of four eggs is common, but this is a species in which the hen birds are far from maternal. Most of the incubation is done by the males, and the females may even leave the nest before the eggs have hatched. The feeding and protection of the chicks is entirely the work of the male birds. The females fly in flocks away from the breeding grounds, where they may only have been present for as little as four weeks.

Behaviour and feeding

In flight, the spotted redshank usually leaves the legs trailing but may on occasion tuck them under the body like a snipe. It has a distinctive “chew-it” flight call.

Spotted redshanks are wading birds which will wade in deeper water than redshanks due to their longer legs. When feeding they will sometimes immerse the head in water to take small fish in a similar manner to a dabbling duck. They sometimes chase after prey and will also feed on mudbanks. Typical food includes beetles and flies, both adult and larvae, caterpillars, shrimps, worms and crustaceans.

Although the spotted redshank is not seen in huge numbers in the United Kingdom (possibly only 100 birds in total that over-winter) it is much more common further east in Europe. As long as the coastal estuaries and inland freshwater lagoons that form their feeding grounds are protected, the future of this species should be assured.

© John Welford