Redshank
Tringa totanus
Length 28cm

Local but fairly common resident breeding species but numerous winter visitor throughout Britain and Ireland, numbers being boosted by influx of continental birds. A nervous bird, the loud, piping alarm call alerting observer to its presence. Easily recognised by its red legs and long, red-based bill. Plumage mostly grey-brown above and pale below with streaks and barring; plumage more heavily marked in breeding season. In flight, shows characterisitic broad, white trailing margin to wing. In breeding season, favours flood meadows, marshes and moors. In winter, occurs in coastal habitats, especially mudflats and estuaries.