How long can a common redshank live?

Ringing studies have recorded common redshanks older than 20 years. That figure is an observed maximum, though, not the lifespan a typical chick can expect. Most birds will not get anywhere near that age.

A long-lived adult population can also hide problems. Adults may keep coming back to a site year after year while very few young are raised there, so seeing adult redshanks does not on its own show that a site is producing enough chicks.