Spotted Redshank
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropus
At a Glance
The dark color of this big sandpiper makes it almost unmistakable in breeding plumage (although an oiled yellowlegs was once identified as a Spotted Redshank). The species is a rare migrant in western Alaska, and strays have shown up at scattered points elsewhere in North America -- not only on both coasts, but also at some far inland sites, such as Ohio and Kansas.
All bird guide text and rangemaps adapted from Lives of North American Birds by Kenn Kaufman© 1996, used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Category
Sandpiper-like Birds, Sandpipers
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Saltwater Wetlands, Tundra and Boreal Habitats
Region
Alaska and The North, New England
Behavior
Direct Flight, Running
Range & Identification
Description
12" (30.5 cm). Size and shape of a yellowlegs, but with very thin, long bill. Has red legs, red base of bill. In spring, all blackish with small white spots. Winter birds very gray.
Size
About the size of a Crow, About the size of a Robin
Color
Black, Brown, Gray, Orange, Red, White
Wing Shape
Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Rounded, Short, Square-tipped, Wedge-shaped
Songs and Calls
A clear chew-whit, with rising inflection.
Call Pattern
Flat
Call Type
Chirp/Chip
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