Redshank, Spotted

Conservation status:

Rare Passage Migrant

Description:

Medium-sized, rather slim wader; in winter plumage with red legs mostly recalling Redshank, but larger, cooler grey upperparts, white underparts, and longer finer bill, slightly drooping at tip; flight pattern differs markedly. In breeding plumage unmistakable: almost black, fine-spotted white above with long, blackish red legs and bill. In flight, shows dark tail and wings without white wing-bar, but a distinctive white rump extends in a wedge over back, and feet project well beyond tail. Juvenile resembles juvenile Redshank but underparts darker, heavily spotted or vermiculated; black lores and white supercilium in front of eye also conspicuous.