Spotted Redshank - Tringa erythropus

The Spotted Redshank is a medium sized elegant wading bird, slightly larger than a redshank. In summer plumage the adults are almost entirely black, save for some white 'spotting' on the wings, a white 'wedge' on the back showing clearly in flight, and a barred tail. In winter they have a grey back, and paler under parts, with a more prominent eye stripe than a redshank and lacking a redshank's white wing bars.

In winter on coastal wetland sites, especially in north Kent and Essex, Hampshire and west Wales.

Southward migration takes place in July and August with most birds passing through the UK in September. Wintering birds remain until April and May.

Feeds on insect larvae, shrimps and worms.

They migrate from northern European across and northern Siberian breeding areas, to winter in Europe, Africa, China and South-east Asia. They are a relatively scarce wintering species in the UK, with over half the population found at fewer than ten sites, making them an Amber List species.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland.