Specie's Page                                               Green Sandpiper - Small Waders

Green Sandpiper:

UK Status: Resident, a UK non breeding winter visitor.

Habitat: This bird likes wetlands both coastal and inland. Can be found on the sea shore, on mudflats in estuaries, and mostly on sand banks in lakes and pools inland.

Breeding: Unlike a lot of related wader species, the Green Sandpiper nests in trees. They don't nest in the UK, after over wintering here they return to sub-arctic Europe and Asia. Usually, the old nests of other birds such as Field Fares and thrushes are utilised for breeding. Females lay two to four eggs per clutch. Eggs are ovular in shape, being very pointed at the narrower end. They are buff in colour with darker brown splotches and streaks.

Comment: Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper are thought to interbreed, and create hybrids. This is not a gregarious bird, though small groups can be seen in some suitable feeding areas.

BE AWARE PLEASE:  Ground nesting birds are very vulnerable to having their eggs and chicks smashed or crushed. This can happen when people are unaware of their presence, or when dogs are allowed to run loose during the breeding season. Nests are very well hidden, and are not usually spotted until it's to late. Dogs often have no concern for ground nesting birds, please keep them on their leads from April through to the end of September.