Marsh Sandpiper

Latin Name: 
Tringa stagnatilis
Size: 
23cm
Description: 

Smaller than the Greenshank but with dark, needlethin bill. Neatly marked grey above with darker wing shoulder; cap and hind neck are grey; rest of underparts white. In breeding season darker and more marked above; head and neck heavily streaked. Long white back stripe and no wing bars. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates, stepping delicately through water. Mixes with other waders. Fairly tame.

Habitat: 
Inhabits shallow freshwater jheels, village ponds, wet paddy and river shoals.
Distribution: 
Fairly common winter visitor throughout lowlands. Less common on coasts.
Call: 
Call Description: 
Rather quiet. A briefly repeated klew, rather like first note of Common Redshank.
National Status: