The Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) is a medium-sized wader from the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. Known for its striking dark plumage, clear white underparts, and distinctive whistling call, the Green Sandpiper is often seen in freshwater habitats, especially during migration. It breeds in the northern forests of Europe and Asia and migrates to milder regions for the winter.

Physical Description

Size: The Green Sandpiper measures between 22 and 25 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 55 to 60 centimetres. It typically weighs between 65 and 100 grams, with little size difference between males and females.
Plumage:

• Breeding and Non-breeding Plumage: The Green Sandpiper has dark, almost blackish-brown upperparts with a faint greenish gloss, especially noticeable in sunlight. The upperparts are marked with small, white spots, which become more pronounced during the breeding season. The underparts are bright white, creating a stark contrast with the dark upperparts. The head is marked with a white eye-ring and a dark eye-stripe.
• Tail and Rump: The bird’s tail is heavily barred with black and white, and the rump is bright white, a feature that is easily seen in flight and helps to distinguish it from similar species.
  Legs and Bill: The legs are relatively short and dark green or greyish, adapted for walking through muddy habitats. The bill is medium-length, straight, and dark, used for picking small prey from the water or mud.
  Flight: The Green Sandpiper has a fast, direct flight pattern, often seen flying low over water with rapid wingbeats. Its wings are long and pointed, and the white rump is a clear identifying feature.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: The Green Sandpiper breeds in the boreal and taiga forests of northern Europe and Asia, particularly in Scandinavia and Russia. During the winter, it migrates to southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, where it is commonly found in a variety of freshwater habitats. The species is a rare but regular visitor to the UK, mainly seen during migration.
Habitat: The bird prefers freshwater habitats, such as forested wetlands, rivers, ponds, marshes, and sewage treatment ponds. During migration, it frequents flooded fields, ditches, and small lakes, but it generally avoids coastal areas. The Green Sandpiper is often seen alone or in small groups, and it is known for being shy and wary.

Behaviour

Diet: The Green Sandpiper feeds on a variety of small invertebrates, including insects, larvae, worms, crustaceans, and molluscs. It also eats small fish and amphibians when available. The bird uses its sharp eyesight to spot prey on the surface of the water or mud and may probe into soft ground with its bill.
Foraging: The bird is an active forager, often seen wading in shallow water or walking along the edges of wetlands. It has a methodical feeding style, moving slowly and deliberately as it searches for food. The Green Sandpiper may also bob its head and tail while foraging, a behaviour that helps distinguish it from other waders.
Vocalisations: The Green Sandpiper has a distinctive, high-pitched call, often described as a clear “tlu-eet” or “tlu-tlu-tlu,” which it frequently gives in flight or when alarmed. The call is one of the easiest ways to identify the bird, especially during migration.

Social Structure

Breeding Behaviour: The Green Sandpiper has a unique breeding behaviour compared to most waders. Instead of nesting on the ground, it often uses abandoned nests of other birds, such as thrushes, in trees. The bird breeds in forested wetlands, where the male performs display flights and calls to attract a mate.
Nesting: The female lays a clutch of 2 to 4 eggs, which are creamy or pale brown with dark spots. Both parents share incubation duties, which last for about 22 to 23 days. Once hatched, the chicks are precocial and leave the nest shortly after, but the parents remain nearby to protect and guide them.
Chick Development: The chicks are well-camouflaged and able to feed themselves almost immediately after hatching. They are capable of flight at around three to four weeks of age and become more independent as they grow.

Migration

Resident and Migratory Behaviour: The Green Sandpiper is a long-distance migrant, travelling from its breeding grounds in northern Europe and Asia to wintering areas in southern Europe, Africa, and Asia. Migration occurs in small flocks, and the bird is often seen at freshwater stopover sites, where it rests and feeds before continuing its journey.

Conservation Status

The Green Sandpiper is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, with a stable population. However, it faces threats from habitat loss and degradation, particularly in its breeding and wintering habitats. Wetland drainage, pollution, and human disturbance are some of the main concerns. Conservation efforts include protecting and restoring freshwater wetlands and monitoring populations to ensure long-term stability.

Similar Species

• Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos): The Common Sandpiper is smaller and has a distinctive white shoulder patch. It also has a characteristic bobbing motion and a more erratic flight pattern compared to the Green Sandpiper.
• Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola): The Wood Sandpiper is similar in size but has longer, yellowish legs and a more finely marked plumage. It also lacks the white rump of the Green Sandpiper.

Importance and Ecological Role

The Green Sandpiper plays a crucial role in wetland ecosystems, helping to control insect and invertebrate populations. It also serves as an indicator species for the health of freshwater habitats, as it is sensitive to changes in water quality and habitat conditions. The bird’s long migratory journeys connect different ecosystems across continents, highlighting the importance of international conservation efforts.

Conclusion

The Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) is a fascinating and adaptable wader, known for its dark plumage, distinctive calls, and unique breeding habits. While it is currently not at risk, the conservation of its wetland habitats is essential to ensure the continued success of this species. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts admire the Green Sandpiper for its graceful movements and the challenge it presents in observation, particularly during migration.

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