BirdUp · Species
Common Greenshank
Tringa nebularia(Gunnerus, 1767)
Updated
- Order
- CHARADRIIFORMES
- Family
- Scolopacidae
- Genus
- Tringa
At a glance
The Common Greenshank is a medium-sized bird, about 30–35 cm long, listed as Least Concern and native to Australia. It can be seen year-round.
- Size
- 30–35 cm
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Origin
- Native
- Best seen
- Year-round
- Commonness
- Very common
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
What does a Common Greenshank look like?
The Common Greenshank is a medium-sized bird, about 30–35 cm long and weighing 108–245 g, identified by its distinctly upturned bill; prominent white wedge on back in flight; long, greenish-grey legs; and pale grey head, neck, and breast (non-breeding).
The common greenshank is a wader in the large family Scolopacidae, the typical waders. The genus name Tringa is the Neo-Latin name given to the green sandpiper by Aldrovandus in 1599 based on Ancient Greek trungas, a thrush-sized, white-rumped, tail-bobbing wading bird mentioned by Aristotle. The specific nebularia is from Latin nebula "mist". Like the Norwegian Skoddefoll, this refers to the greenshank's damp marshy habitat.
Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
- 01
Distinctly upturned bill
The lower mandible curves gently upwards, giving the entire bill a characteristic upturned appearance.
- 02
Prominent white wedge on back in flight
A striking white triangular patch is visible on the rump and lower back, extending high up the back and contrasting with darker wings.
- 03
Long, greenish-grey legs
Legs are noticeably long with a dull olive-green to grey-green colouration, extending well beyond the tail in flight.
- 04
Pale grey head, neck, and breast (non-breeding)
In non-breeding plumage, the head and breast are pale grey with fine, diffuse streaking, contrasting with clean white underparts.
03 · When
When to look
When can you see a Common Greenshank?
The Common Greenshank is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
What does a Common Greenshank eat?
The Common Greenshank feeds on terrestrial invertebrates, intertidal invertebrates, fish/invertebrates and fish/invertebrates, usually foraging in flocks or alone.
06 · Gallery
Plumage up close
4 photos
The BirdUp app
Log your next Common Greenshank in the field
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