Shanks, Tattlers, and Allies

Members of Tringa are medium-sized wading birds with slender bodies, long legs, and straight or slightly upturned bills. Most have grey, brown, or mixed-colour feathers on their backs, with lighter colours underneath. When flying, they often show white patches on their lower backs and striped tails. These active birds feed by poking their bills into mud and shallow water while walking with a bobbing motion. They often make loud, clear calls, which is why some are called 'tattlers'. The group of birds is found almost all over the world. They breed in northern areas with mild to cold climates, including the Arctic, and spend the winter in coastal and freshwater places everywhere. Several species regularly pass through or stay in Britain during winter, preferring estuaries, marshes, and lake edges. They are usually seen alone or in small groups and often feed alongside other wading birds on shorelines and mudflats.