SPECIES: Tringa nebularia — Common Greenshank
CLASSIFICATION: Endangered
The Common Greenshank is a heavily built, migratory shorebird with a long bill that is slightly upturned and long, yellowish-green legs. That's quite a vision. Often sighted singly or flocks of up to 100 birds, their flight is usually zigzagging. Now that is quite a vision. Found at both coastal and inland wetlands, these birds nest on the ground, but cleverly, usually with a 'marker' nearby; rocks, a tree, a fence or even sticks, they are also carnivorous and feed both during the day and at night. Under threat from habitat loss, pollution and introduced species - introduced plants which can lead to long-term changes to the biodiversity of wetlands.