Fun Common Redshank Facts For Kids

Do you like learning about different species of birds? Then you are going to love reading this article on the common redshank. The common redshank is a shorebird that belongs to the family of Solopacidae and the genus Tringa. Another type of redshank that belongs to the species is spotted redshank.

A migratory bird in nature, the common redshank is seen in the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia as well. In the winter, they travel from the north towards the south.

This species also has a number of subspecies. The six subspecies recognized are robusta, totanus, ussuriensis, terrignotae, craggi, and eurhinus.

The Totanus is found in northern Europe while Ussuriensis is found in Eastern Asia as well. Terrignotae is solely found in eastern China and the Robusta is found in the areas around Iceland and Scotland. Craggi is found in China and the Eurhinus subspecies is found in India and Tibet.

The common redshank is also known for its breeding plumage which it displays only during the breeding season. In addition to that, the foraging and wading practice of this bird in its water-based habitats has also been noted by scientists and researchers.

Keep reading for more amazing facts about the common redshank!

If you liked this article about common redshank facts, then you should also check out fiery topaz hummingbird facts and fig parrot facts.

Common Redshank Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a common redshank?

The common redshank (Tringa Totanus) is a type of bird. It belongs to the Phylum Chordata and genus Tringa.

What class of animal does a common redshank belong to?

The common redshank (Tringa Totanus) belongs to the Aves class of the Animalia kingdom and the Scolopacidae family.

How many common redshanks are there in the world?

According to the latest study, there are approximately 1 million-3.5 million common redshanks in the world.

Where does a common redshank live?

The common redshank (Tringa totanus) has a wide geographical distribution throughout the world. It is seen throughout the wetlands of Iceland, Britain as well as continental Europe, the Mediterranean region, and the Middle East. It is also found in southeast and southern Asia as well as Australia.

What is a common redshank's habitat?

These birds prefer a temperate climate and can be found in coasts, wetlands, salty marshes, damp meadows along with freshwater lakes, rivers, lagoons, and estuaries.

Common redshanks are not normally found in forests but may be found in cultivated lands and pasturelands which are completely flooded.

Who do common redshanks live with?

Common redshanks have been known to fly around in large, mixed flocks. They roost and forage in flocks in order to protect themselves. The larger flocks can consist of around 100 birds at a time.

How long does a common redshank live?

The average lifespan of a common redshank in the wild is around 27 years.

How do they reproduce?

The breeding season of this bird species starts in April and extends until the month of June. During the breeding season, the male birds make elaborate displays in the air as a part of the courtship ritual.

These birds are monogamous in nature and quite defensive of their territory. The pair of male and female birds build a nest in wet grasslands and coastal marshes. The female bird lays around four eggs which are off-white in color in that nest.

After the eggs are laid, the incubation period in the nest lasts for around three weeks. Both the male and female parents take part in incubation. The newborn chicks start to fledge three to four weeks after birth.

What is their conservation status?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the common redshank has been listed in the Least Concern category as its population is stable enough and does not face any risk of immediate decline.

Common Redshank Fun Facts

What do common redshanks look like?

The common redshank has differently colored plumage during breeding and non-breeding season.

During the breeding season, the adult bird has a gray-brown plumage. The tail, rump, and lower back of the bird are mostly white. The underparts of the bird are white with the breast and belly being streaked with dark brown spots.

The upper parts are mainly brown in color with dark black spots. The wings of the bird are also gray and brown in color.

The eyes of the bird are dark brown in color. They have a red-colored long and conical bill with a black tip. The orange-red or reddish feet of the bird are also quite long.

The plumage of the female adult common redshank is paler than the male plumage.

During the non-breeding season, the plumage, wings, and feathers of the birds are grayer in comparison and do not have dark brown spots. The rump and under parts are also streaked finely.

How cute are they?

The common redshank species is not very cute with its plain brown feathers, plumage, and wings. However, their reddish beak and orange-red legs are extremely eye-catching!

How do they communicate?

The common redshank is a very loud and vocal bird species. Their alarm calls are high-pitched and make a long 'tyuu' sound. During their flight, they make continuous 'teu-hu-hu' calls. This call becomes longer and louder when the birds are slowly coming down from their flight.

How big is a common redshank?

The average length of the common redshank bird species is 10-12 in (25.4-30.4 cm).

The length of the wingspan of these birds is 23-25 in (58.4-63.5 cm).

The Siberian crane which grows up to 45–50 in (114.3–127 cm) in length is almost five times the size of the common redshank.

How fast can a common redshank fly?

Although the exact speed of common redshanks during flight is not known, they have been observed to fly quite fast. They also make melodic noises during flight.

How much does a common redshank weigh?

The average weight of the common redshank species is approximately 3.1-5.2 oz (87.8-147.4 g).

What are the male and female names of the species?

A male bird is called a cock and the female bird is called a hen.

What would you call a baby common redshank?

There is no separate, distinct name for a baby of the common redshank species. Thus, following the usual terminology, it is referred to as a common redshank nestling or chick.

What do they eat?

The common redshank's diet mainly comprises insects, spiders, and worms. They also feed on small fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, and tadpoles during the breeding season.

Are they dangerous?

The common redshank is not known to be dangerous to human beings or other birds.

Would they make a good pet?

The common redshank would not make a good pet bird like the Fischer's lovebird. This bird mostly lives in temperate areas where it can find its ideal habitats such as Western and Mediterranean Europe, and southern Africa. It is also very easily scared and undertakes migration during winter as well. Consequently, they cannot be kept as pets.

Did you know...

The common redshank is a very anxious and nervous bird! Whenever it feels threatened, it starts to make shrill alarm calls. These birds also start to move their tail when they feel disturbed.

Do redshanks migrate?

Just like another migratory bird, the swallow, the common redshanks, which are endemic to Iceland and Western Europe, often undertake migration for wintering. Their migration journey takes them through the Atlantic Ocean towards Africa for wintering. However, this bird only undertakes a migration journey during the night as it moves towards Africa for wintering.

Can redshanks swim?

Common redshanks are not known for their swimming abilities but they can swim if required. Since this bird only prefers a habitat with coastal marshes, flooded lands, freshwater lakes, coasts, lagoons, and estuaries- it is mostly seen walking along the muddy shores. When required, it can also wade through the shallow water and swim through it as well.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these black cuckoo facts and yellow-billed cuckoo facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable spotted redshank coloring pages.