Wood Sandpiper vs Spotted Redshank

In short

The Wood Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank are both medium-sized waders, but the Spotted Redshank is larger with a longer, more slender bill. The Wood Sandpiper has a more pronounced supercilium and a spotted back, while the Spotted Redshank is more uniform in color outside of breeding plumage.

Identification tips

1. Size and Structure: Look for the larger size and longer bill of the Spotted Redshank. 2. Plumage: Note the Wood Sandpiper's spotted back and white supercilium compared to the Spotted Redshank's more uniform grey in non-breeding plumage. 3. Behavior: Observe foraging depth; Spotted Redshanks may wade deeper. 4. Vocalization: Listen for the Wood Sandpiper's 'chiff-chiff-chiff' versus the Spotted Redshank's 'teu-teu-teu'.

Size

The Spotted Redshank is noticeably larger than the Wood Sandpiper, with a longer neck and legs.

Plumage

Wood Sandpipers have a distinctive white supercilium and spotted upperparts, while non-breeding Spotted Redshanks are more uniform grey with less distinct markings. In breeding plumage, the Spotted Redshank turns almost entirely black.

Behaviour

Both species forage in shallow waters, but the Spotted Redshank often wades deeper and may be seen swimming.

Habitat

Both species can be found in wetlands, but the Wood Sandpiper prefers freshwater marshes and flooded fields, while the Spotted Redshank is more likely to be found in coastal areas during migration.

Voice

The Wood Sandpiper has a distinctive 'chiff-chiff-chiff' call, while the Spotted Redshank's call is a more melodious 'teu-teu-teu'.