Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) – A Comprehensive Study

The Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) is a striking and elegant wader bird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. Known for its distinct seasonal plumage and graceful foraging behavior, this species is widely distributed across Europe and Asia. This document provides a detailed study of its taxonomy, morphology, habitat, behavior, breeding, conservation status, and its presence in the unique ecosystem of the Sundarban.

1. Taxonomy & Classification

• Scientific Name: Tringa erythropus
• Common Name: Spotted Redshank
• Family: Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Class: Aves
• Phylum: Chordata
• Kingdom: Animalia

The Tringa genus consists of medium to large-sized shorebirds, including other redshanks, greenshanks, and tattlers.

2. Morphological Characteristics

The Spotted Redshank exhibits striking seasonal differences in plumage, making it easy to identify during both breeding and non-breeding seasons.

a) Breeding Plumage (Summer)

• Coloration: Nearly black plumage with small white speckles across the back and wings.
• Bill: Long, slightly upturned, red at the base and black towards the tip.
• Legs: Bright reddish-orange, long, and slender, adapted for wading.
• Size: Approximately 29–33 cm in length, with a wingspan of 59–66 cm.
• Weight: Ranges between 120–200 grams.

b) Non-Breeding Plumage (Winter)

• Coloration: Light grey above, white below, with a distinct whitish eyebrow stripe.
• Bill: The red base remains but is less prominent.
• Legs: Become duller but still show some reddish hue.

c) Juvenile Plumage

• Resembles non-breeding adults but has more prominent white markings on the back and wings.

3. Distribution & Habitat

The Spotted Redshank has a vast geographical range, spanning across Eurasia, from the Arctic to tropical wetlands.

a) Breeding Range

• Found in Northern Scandinavia, Russia, and Siberia, preferring tundra marshes and peat bogs for breeding.

b) Wintering Range

• Migrates south to Europe, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia during winter.
• Prefers brackish waters, estuaries, tidal mudflats, mangroves, and freshwater wetlands.

c) Habitat Preferences

• Shallow wetlands, marshes, tidal creeks, and mangrove swamps.
• Often found in estuaries and intertidal zones.

4. Behavioral Characteristics

• Feeding Habits:

  • Diet consists of small invertebrates, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic insects, and small fish.
  • Uses its long, slightly upturned bill to probe mud and shallow water while foraging.
  • Often seen wading through water with a unique teetering motion.

• Migration:

  • A long-distance migratory bird, traveling thousands of kilometers from Arctic breeding grounds to wintering habitats.
  • Migrates in small flocks and is commonly seen with other waders.

• Vocalization:

  • Sharp, whistling call—a distinctive “tieu-tieu” sound.
  • More vocal during the breeding season.

• Breeding Behavior:

  • Monogamous pairs nest in tundra habitats.
  • Ground-nesting species, laying about 3–4 eggs in a scrape lined with vegetation.
  • Both parents participate in incubation, but females often leave before chicks fledge.

5. Special Features

• Seasonal Plumage: One of the few waders with a striking black breeding plumage.
• Long-Distance Migration: Can travel from the Arctic to tropical regions in one season.
• Unique Foraging Strategy: Often seen walking briskly through shallow water, occasionally swimming while hunting for prey.
• Adaptability: Can thrive in both freshwater and brackish environments.

6. Conservation Status

• IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
• Despite its stable population, habitat degradation, climate change, and wetland loss pose threats to the species in the long run.

7. Presence of Spotted Redshank in the Sundarban

The Sundarban, the largest mangrove ecosystem in the world, serves as an essential wintering ground for numerous migratory waders, including the Spotted Redshank.

a) Habitat in the Sundarban

• Found in brackish estuaries, tidal mudflats, and mangrove swamps.
• Prefers shallow tidal creeks and saltpans.
• Often seen in mixed flocks with other shorebirds like the Common Redshank (Tringa totanus), Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), and Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata).

b) Migration & Seasonal Presence

• Arrives in the Sundarban during winter (October–March).
• Joins large congregations of waders and waterfowl in key wetland areas.

c) Importance of the Sundarban for Spotted Redshank

• Provides abundant food sources due to the rich biodiversity of crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.
• Acts as a safe wintering ground, away from harsh Arctic conditions.
• Threats in the Sundarban:
  • Mangrove deforestation, rising sea levels, and pollution can impact this species’ survival in the region.

8. Conclusion

The Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) is a remarkable wader with a unique black breeding plumage, long-distance migration, and adaptability to diverse wetland habitats. The Sundarban plays a vital role in its migratory cycle, offering rich feeding grounds and shelter during winter. Conservation efforts, including wetland protection and sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems, are essential to ensure the long-term survival of this species in the Sundarban and beyond.