Bird of the Festival

Common Greenshank

The Common Greenshank is a medium-sized shorebird with long legs for wading in shallow water. It has a long bill that is slightly upcurved. It is mostly grey above and on its wings, and streaky on its head. Its chest and belly are white. Even though its name makes you think it will have green legs, the legs appear more grey in colour.

This bird can be found in coastal areas and in freshwater swamps. It feeds on worms, insects, molluscs, fish, and crustaceans.

The Common Greenshank is listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It was listed in 2024.

We can protect this bird and other shorebirds in Australia by retaining safe and high quality habitat where it can rest and feed. And also by keeping a distance of 200 metres from shorebirds at the beach and not letting dogs chase after these birds.