Green Sandpiper
1. Bird Name
The bird featured in this article is the Green Sandpiper, also known by its scientific name Tringa ochropus.
2. Appearance
The Green Sandpiper is a charismatic bird with a distinctly marked plumage. The predominant body color is a distinctive dark greenish-brown on the upper parts, giving the bird its name. The underparts are predominantly white with bold dark streaks. The beak is medium in length and fairly straight, forming into a point used for probing and catching food. The beak color ranges from dusky brown to black. The eyes are dark, and the legs are a greenish-yellow – an unusual trait among sandpipers. This species shows little variation between males and females.
3. Size
Green Sandpipers stand at an average length of 23-26 cm (9-10.2 inches). They boast a wingspan ranging from 59-66 cm (23-26 inches). The bird’s weight ranges from 85-140 grams (3-4.9 ounces).
4. Habitat & Distribution
The Green Sandpiper is a migratory bird with a significant distribution range. They breed across subarctic and temperate Europe and Asia and migrate to winter in tropical regions in Africa and southern Asia. A preferred habitat for these birds includes marshes, swamps, rivers, ponds, and occasionally in drier rocky areas.
5. Interesting Facts
One unique behavior of the Green Sandpiper is its atypical nesting habits. It tends to nest in trees, using the old nests of other species, a habit rarely found in wading birds. Moreover, the Green Sandpiper can perform a fascinating ‘bouncing’ flight show, often accompanied by a distinctive three-note whistle. Despite its relative abundance, its preference for wooded habitats can make sightings a special event for birdwatchers.
6. Diet
The Green Sandpiper is an opportunist feeding on a varied diet. It typically eats invertebrates, small fish, and amphibians. With its sharp bill, it adeptly snatches up crustaceans, insects, and worms from the water and ground.
7. Behavior & Sounds
The Green Sandpiper is mostly solitary and has a wary disposition. It has a unique flying pattern, where it shows a fast zig-zag flight with rapid wing beats. Its call is a loud and distinctive ‘tew-tew-tew,’ often given when alarmed or when flying.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Green Sandpiper is classified as “Least Concern.” Despite population fluctuations, the species has an extensive range and population size that it doesn’t currently approach the thresholds for Vulnerable status.
9. Lifespan
Green Sandpipers have a lifespan of up to 10 years in the wild. Their lifespan in captivity is not precisely known due to their elusive nature and the challenges associated with keeping this species in an artificial setup.
10. Additional Notes
Locally, the Green Sandpiper is known as “Grönben” in Swedish and “Tunturisirri” in Finnish. Despite its relative abundance, it’s seen as a special visitor to the UK, adding interest for birdwatchers. Given their diet, Green Sandpipers play an instrumental role in controlling insect and small aquatic organism populations. They generally maintain a wary distance from humans, but in certain regions may become more trusting due to lack of harassment.
