Identification and comparison of

Common Greenshank and Marsh Sandpiper

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Common summer visitor. Large (30-34 cm), grey above and white below, with long slightly upturned dark bill, grey at base, and long greenish legs. Dark grey streaking on head. Shows white back and rump in flight. In breeding plumage has black streaking on head and upper breast. Loud ringing 'tew-tew-tew' call. Mudflats and various wetland habitats.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis

Uncommon summer visitor. Medium-sized (22-25 cm), grey above and white below, with long straight needle-like black bill and long greenish to yellowish legs. Shows white back and rump in flight. Like a miniature Common Greenshank. In breeding plumage has dark streaking on head and breast. Loud repeated 'tew' and 'chip' calls. Freshwater and brackish wetlands.

General: Greenshank is noticeably larger than the more delicate Marsh Sandpiper and occurs in both freshwater and saltwater wetlands. Marsh Sandpiper mostly occurs in freshwater wetlands although may associate with Greenshank in brackish areas.

Plumage (non-breeding): Greenshank has contrasting dark and white appearance, more so than most other shorebirds, with slightly darker upperparts than Marsh Sandpiper and heavier streaking, although Marsh Sandpiper often has darker crown than body.

Bill: Greenshank has thick-based solid-looking bill, the reduction in thickness from middle to tip exaggerating the slightly upturned effect. Marsh Sandpiper has fine straight bill that appears needle-like although there is occasionally a slight upwards kink near middle.  

Legs: Greenish in Greenshank, often yellowish in Marsh Sandpiper.

Flight: Proportionately longer legs of Marsh Sandpiper extend further beyond tail than Greenshank.

Call: The loud ringing call of Greenshank is well-known but the sharper and thinner calls of Marsh Sandpiper are seldom heard locally.

Similar species: Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) is a rare summer visitor, with single birds occasionally found in freshwater wetlands. Smaller than Marsh Sandpiper, with mottled upperparts and shorter straight bill. In flight, dark upperparts contrast with white rump.

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