Redshank
Tringa totanus
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Redshank is the 'sentinel of the marsh' — always the first bird to call the alarm and take flight, warning everything else on the lagoon. They breed in the long grass and rush beds around Marshside and are present year-round, with wintering numbers boosted by birds from Iceland. The orange-red legs and base to the bill are obvious at any range; the white trailing edge to the wing is the best flight feature.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Habitat | Coastal marsh · Lagoon edge · Saltmarsh · Mudflat |
| Diet | Small invertebrates, worms, small fish, crustaceans |
| UK population | Around 24,000 breeding pairs; winter population boosted by Icelandic birds |
| Sefton Coast | Common year-round; breeds at Marshside RSPB and surrounds |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB lagoons and salt marsh. Ribble Estuary. Crossens Marsh.
Identification
Medium wader. Brown above, paler below with dense spotting. Bright orange-red legs and bill base. Bold white trailing wing edge and white back in flight.
Viewing & Photography Tips
If Redshanks suddenly call and fly up, look for the predator that caused it — often a harrier, Peregrine, or Sparrowhawk.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Redshank called the sentinel of the marsh?
Redshanks are famously alert and are invariably the first birds to call and take flight when a predator appears. Their sharp, repeated alarm call immediately alerts all other waders and wildfowl on the lagoon. Experienced birdwatchers use a sudden Redshank alarm as a cue to look for the cause — usually a harrier or Peregrine.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.