The green sandpiper is a small wader (shorebird) of the Old World.
Region
Palearctic (breeding), Africa and South Asia (wintering)
Typical Environment
Breeds sparsely across the taiga zone from Scandinavia through northern Russia to Siberia, favoring wooded wetlands and lakes near coniferous forest. During migration and winter it occupies a wide range of freshwater habitats including marshy river edges, ponds, ditches, rice fields, and sewage works. It prefers shallow water with muddy margins and some cover. Generally avoids open tidal coasts compared to many other shorebirds, keeping to inland waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The green sandpiper is a small Old World wader that breeds across the boreal forests of northern Eurasia and winters in Africa and southern Asia. Unusually for a sandpiper, it nests above ground, reusing old tree nests of thrushes and other passerines. In flight it shows a striking white rump contrasted with dark wings and underwings, a key field mark. It often frequents small, secluded freshwater pools, sewage lagoons, and rice paddies during migration and winter.
Eggs, Museum Wiesbaden
Temperament
solitary and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats; often zigzags on flush and flies low over water
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in very small numbers, especially on inland pools. Breeds in the boreal forest where it lays eggs in old nests of thrushes or corvids placed in trees, an unusual strategy among shorebirds. Pairs are seasonal and defend nesting territories near forested wetlands.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Most often gives a sharp, ringing three-note whistle 'tew-tew-tew' when flushed. Display flights over breeding sites include a bubbling, trilling series of notes. Calls carry well over quiet wetlands.
