Redshanks are common, familiar, and often very noisy waders in the UK. They are found year-round in our coastal habitats as well as inland during the breeding season. 

Very small numbers of the related Greenshank breed in the UK, with more birds turning up on passage during migration. Spotted Redshanks are rarer still - they do not breed in Britain and are mainly seen during spring and autumn while migrating.

Redshank, Greenshank and the arctic-breeding Spotted Redshank can be found together in late summer and autumn on saltmarshes and lagoons. They can be tricky to identify, especially with young birds thrown in the mix. 

Watch our ID video to learn how to separate Redshank, Greenshank and Spotted Redshank with confidence.