The Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) is the watchful sentinel of shore meadows — a medium-sized wader recognised by its bright red legs, the broad white trailing edge on its wings in flight, and its constant, ringing calls. It measures about 27–29 cm in length, has a wingspan of roughly 45–52 cm and weighs 85–155 grams. The upperparts are grey-brown with darker mottling and the underside pale and more or less streaked, but the surest field marks are the orange-red legs and red bill base; in flight the species is unmistakable thanks to the broad white trailing edge on the wing and a white wedge running up over the rump and back. Juveniles have more orange-toned legs and a slightly warmer brown plumage than adults.
The Common Redshank is highly vocal, its most common call a clear, somewhat melancholic, descending "tju-hju-hju," while alarm produces a fast, persistent "kipp-kipp-kipp" that quickly puts other birds on guard too. It breeds across almost the whole of Sweden except the highest mountain areas, with a population of 25,000–40,000 pairs that has declined, partly due to the end of grazing on shore meadows and the loss of wetlands. It is a migrant, arriving in April and leaving in August–September to winter in Western Europe and Africa. The nest is built on the ground, often well hidden in a grass tussock on a grazed shore meadow or mire, with a usual clutch of four eggs incubated for around 23–25 days by both parents, who vigilantly guard the precocial chicks; short-grazed vegetation is important so the chicks can find food while keeping a clear view around them. It feeds on insects, small crustaceans, worms and other invertebrates picked from soft, damp ground or shallow water, probing effectively with its medium-length, straight bill, and during migration it often forages in groups along the tideline on open beaches.
Read about this species in Swedish →