Common Redshank

A vocal bird of saltmarshes and damp meadows. It is a medium-sized wader with bright orange-red legs and a red base to its bill. It is often called the 'Sentinel of the Marsh'. Its loud whistling alarm calls warn other birds of approaching intruders. It is a resident or short-distance migrant.

Redshanks are nervous and highly alert. In flight, they show a very broad white trailing edge to their wings. During the breeding season, they perform a 'yodeling' song-flight. They feed by probing mud for worms or picking insects from the water surface.