Green sandpiper

Taxonomy

Carl Linnaeus formally described the green sandpiper in 1758 under the name Tringa ochropus. The genus name Tringa derives from Neo-Latin used by Aldrovandus in 1599, based on Ancient Greek trungas. The specific epithet ochropus combines Ancient Greek okhros (ochre) and pous (foot). No subspecies are recognised.

Description

This plump wader has dark greenish-brown upperparts, a greyish head and breast, and white underparts. The back shows white spotting that is most extensive in breeding adults and less in winter and young birds. In flight, the dark wings contrast with a brilliant white rump, and the bird gives a characteristic three-note whistle.

Distribution and migration

The green sandpiper breeds across subarctic Europe and east across the Palearctic. It migrates to winter in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and tropical Africa. It feeds on small invertebrates picked from mud and is typically found alone or in small numbers at freshwater sites, often in restricted areas avoided by other waders.

Did You Know?

• Suspected hybridisation with the common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) has been reported.
• The legs and short bill are both dark green.
• It is one of the species covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.