Redshanks

Common redshank · Pļavu tilbīte

Tringa totanus

Illustration of the common redshank — A wetland wader identified by red legs and a conspicuous white wing pattern.

Found in Latvia?: Yes · breeder and migrant
Habitat: Wet grasslands, marshes, and shallow, muddy shores.
Diet: Insects, worms, small molluscs, and crustaceans.

Appearance and behaviour

The common redshank is a medium-sized wader with brownish upperparts, orange-red legs, and a fairly straight bill with a reddish base. In flight, the broad white trailing edges of its wings are conspicuous. Its sharp, piping alarm calls often draw attention before the bird itself is visible.

Redshanks feed by picking and probing in soft mud and shallow water. They nest on the ground among vegetation and frequently watch from raised perches. Near a nest, their tolerance of visitors is limited, and they communicate this without much ambiguity.

Occurrence in Latvia

A breeding bird and passage migrant in Latvia. Suitable habitat includes wet meadows, lake margins, and shallow coastal wetlands.