The common greenshank, tringa nebularia, is the largest species of its genus (tringa). They measure 11.8 to 13.7 inches (30 to 35 centimeters) long and weigh 4.4 to 10.2 ounces (125 to 290 grams). They have an impressive wingspan which measures anywhere from 22.8 to 27.5 inches (58 to 70 centimeters). Outside the breeding season, an adult common greenshank is mostly grey on top and white underneath with darker wings and a whitish tail. They have long legs (which are yellowish to grayish-green in color), a long neck, as well as a long, stout, slightly upturned bill.
The common greenshank can be found across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and they can sometimes be seen in the Caribbean too. They will often make their homes near freshwater marshes. When migrating however, these birds will make due with both freshwater and saltwater wetland habitats. This animal is neither diurnal nor nocturnal, doing their foraging day or night. They may hunt alone, in small flocks, or in large flocks that consist of hundreds of individuals.
The diet of a common greenshank consists of mollusks, crustaceans, worms, insects, small fish and even rodents and lizards. They do their feeding by either pecking or probing as they walk through the shallow water. They may even sweep their bills sideways in the water. A common greenshank may chase fish through the water and can make erratic changes in direction to better insure a catch. Whenever they feel threatened, they will bob their heads up and down to warn others.
Breeding season for the common greenshank takes place from late April to June. Adults will slightly change their appearance during this time, having heavy dark streaking and spotting on the upperparts, head, neck and breast. Males will arrive at the breeding grounds first and establish a territory as well as build a few nests (with females choosing which one they will use to lay their eggs). These nests are shallow depressions that are lined with feather and local vegetation and are often constructed near solid structures like boulders or tree stumps. Males will then make flying displays, rising up and down in the air, singing richly and even tumbling and turning in order to attract a mate. Females will sometimes join the males in these displays before mating with one. Females will lay 3 to 5 eggs (4 on average) and both parents will take turns incubating the eggs for 22 to 26 days, at which time the eggs will hatch. The young ones will fledge when they are 21 to 35 days old, but one of the adults (usually the female) will leave the breeding grounds before that. The other adult and juveniles will follow 3 to 6 weeks later. If the young ones can survive long enough, then they can live to be 15 years old.
The common greenshank is not an endangered species as a whole. Localized threats do pose problems however. Pollution, reduced river flows as well as the loss of their natural habitat for various purposes all pose problems to their migratory patterns. Hopefully, the common greenshank can overcome its obstacles and continue to keep far away from the danger of extinction. After all, such a unique species of bird deserves to live and prosper for future generations to see.
Works Cited
“Common Greenshank (Tringa Nebularia)” 17 June 2011
“Common Greenshank” 17 June 2011
“Common Greenshank” 17 June 2011
“Common Greenshank” 17 June 2011