Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
According to the last IUCN Red
List assessment in 2016, the Redshank is a species of ‘Least Concern’ on a
global scale. It is noteworthy that the overall population trend is unknown.
Species Biology
Identification
One of the most evident features
of the Redshank is its vibrant, orange-red legs (hence the name).
The body is a brown colour with
dark streaks passing through it.
It has a thin, medium-length,
straight bill with a reddish base and darker tip.
The Redshank stands at
approximately 28 cm in length with a wingspan of 62 cm and a weight range of
110-130 grams. The larger females typically weigh closer to 130 grams with the
smaller male weighing closer to 110 grams.
Diet
The Redshank feeds on
invertebrates such as earthworms, Cranefly larvae, molluscs, crustaceans and
marine worms.
Habitat
Wintering habitat may include
estuaries, coastal lagoons, mudflats and inlets.
Suitable breeding habitat
includes wet marshes, flood meadows and lake shores.
Reproduction
From mid-April to mid-June, the
female Redshank lays a clutch of four eggs, each weighing approximately 22.3
grams and will incubate these eggs for a period of 24 days.
The young will fledge after 25-35
days.
A typical, wild Redshank can
expect to live for four years with breeding occurring on year one.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
The Redshank winters all around
the Irish coast. It arrives here from northern latitudes.
Small breeding populations occur
along coasts and lakes. It also breeds in the callows of the River Shannon.
This species is suffering from
“continued severe population declines” in Ireland (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021).
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/redshank/
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/redshank/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob5460.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22693211/86687799#
References
Publications
Gilbert, G., Stanbury, A. and Lewis, L., 2021. Birds of Conservation
Concern in Ireland 4: 2020-2026. [online] Wicklow. Available at:
<https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds-of-conservation-concern-in-ireland/>
[Accessed 2 Jun. 2021].