The Common Redshank (Tringa tetanus) is a medium-sized bird in the Scolopacidae family of waders. A shank is a leg, so redshank means red leg.
The Common Redshank has brown marbled feathers with a lighter mottled underbelly. In winter, it is greyish brown with a white underbelly. It has red legs and a black-tipped red beak. It has small, rounded black eyes.
It grows to about 32 centimetres (12.5 inches).
It is widespread across Eurasia – from Europe to Asia. It is migratory. In winter, it flies to the Mediterranean coast. It is a waterbird and prefers coastal areas and wetlands, such as freshwater marshes and rivers.
It feeds on small invertebrates, such as insects, as well as fish and frogs.
The Common Redshank nests in wetlands and damp meadows. The female lays 3-5 eggs.
Location of photographs: Parc Zoologique de Paris in Bois de Vincennes, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM