redshank

American  

[red-shangk] / ˈrɛdˌʃæŋk /

noun

1. an Old World sandpiper, Tringa totanus, having red legs and feet.

---

redshank British  

/ ˈrɛdˌʃæŋk /

noun

1. either of two large common European sandpipers, Tringa totanus or T. erythropus ( spotted redshank ), having red legs

---

Etymology

Origin of redshank

First recorded in 1515–25; red ¹ + shank

Example Sentences

She said muddy edges around the waterways were ideal for insects and molluscs, which "will provide a feast" for wading birds like lapwings, redshank and snipe.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

It was hoped species such as lapwing, redshank and woodcock would find a haven in the wet woodland, while otters and water voles would use the restored network of waterways as corridors and breeding habitat.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2024

The authority said seven key species - the adonis blue butterfly, skylark, redshank, yellow horned poppy, ringed plover, bee orchid and wigeon - were "indicators of biodiversity and landscape quality".

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2021

It has the highest breeding densities of northern lapwing and redshank in the world.

From The Guardian • Mar. 6, 2020

Small birds there are, of course, in numbers, such as wag-tails, sandpipers, and the oddly crying and flying redshank, a shore bird.

From Cornwall by Mitton, G. E. (Geraldine Edith)