A non-breeding migrant from Eurasia, the Common Greenshank is protected by international agreements between Japan and Australia (JAMBA) and China and Australia (CAMBA). It can be seen from September to April in Australia when it is widespread in both inland and coastal regions, usually seen alone or in small parties. Like the Common Sandpiper, it also has a habit of bobbing the head as if nervous. The long pointed bill is slightly upturned. The long green legs trail behind the barred tail in flight. It feeds by wading in shallow water. The call is described as a strident 'tew, tew, tew " and can often be heard at night. Of the 20 000 birds which visit Australia, there are about 2000 in NSW. Although uncommon in the Sydney Olympic Park area it has been seen at the Waterbird Refuge at Bicentennial Park, Newington Nature Reserve and Majors Bay.
Listen to Common Greenshanks calling (MP3)
The non-breeding plumage of the Common Greenshank and its habitat at Hen and Chicken Bay, Sydney
The breeding habitat of the Common Greenshank in Eurasia
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