greenshank

Short definition: The word greenshank means a tall, elegant shorebird with greenish legs and a slightly upturned bill, often seen in marshes and estuaries, known for its graceful wading and distinctive ringing calls.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word greenshank? The word greenshank is mainly used in birdwatching, wildlife studies, and nature writing. It refers to a tall elegant shorebird known for its long greenish legs and slightly upturned bill. You will hear it in discussions about wetlands, rivers, and coastal mudflats, especially during migration seasons. Although not common in everyday conversation, it appears frequently in field guides and birding reports. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and informative.

greenshank n. /ˈɡriːnˌʃæŋk/

Forms: greenshank, greenshanks
Related: shorebird n., wader n., sandpiper n.
Syllable: green-shank

(Noun) A tall slim shorebird with long greenish legs and a slightly upturned bill often seen wading in shallow water.
A greenshank is a migratory wading bird recognized by its long pale green legs slender body and slightly upturned bill, commonly found in wetlands rivers estuaries and coastal mudflats where it feeds on insects small fish and aquatic invertebrates.

The greenshank waded through the shallow marsh water lifting its long legs carefully as it searched for food along the muddy edge.

Birdwatchers identified the greenshank by its bright legs and loud ringing call echoing across the wetland.

During migration greenshanks often stop at lakes and estuaries to rest and refuel before continuing their long journey.

Synonyms: shorebird, wading bird, sandpiper, wetland bird, long legged wader, migratory wader, water edge bird, marsh bird, coastal wader, probing bird, aquatic feeder, migratory shorebird
Antonyms: forest bird, tree dwelling bird, domestic bird, flightless bird, inland land bird, raptor, seed eating bird, woodland species, urban bird, non migratory bird, ground running bird, landlocked species
(Noun) A bird known for its loud clear calls and alert behavior in open wetlands.
Greenshanks are also known for their sharp ringing calls and vigilant behavior, often calling loudly when disturbed and acting as early warning birds in open wetland environments.

The sudden loud call of a greenshank alerted other birds as people approached the edge of the wetland.

Its constant calling made the greenshank easy to locate even before it was seen.

Researchers note that greenshanks are among the more vocal shorebirds when they feel threatened.

Synonyms: vocal shorebird, alert wader, warning bird, vigilant species, loud calling bird, defensive wader, watchful shorebird, signaling bird, protective wetland bird, awareness species, early warning bird, attentive bird
Antonyms: silent bird, passive species, quiet shorebird, non vocal animal, indifferent bird, unalert species, calm wildlife, non defensive bird, unaware animal, quiet feeder, low response species, inactive bird

An Explanation of the Word "greenshank" in an Image

A greenshank bird wading in shallow water, showing a slender straight bill, mottled gray-brown feathers, long greenish legs, and a softly blurred wetland background. — A crisp wildlife photograph of a greenshank standing in shallow water, highlighting its long straight bill, finely patterned gray-brown plumage, and distinctive greenish legs in a calm wetland setting.

Conversation Using the Word Greenshank

This conversation takes place by a freshwater lake between Arthur and Beatrice. It describes the greenshank's appearance, its elegant stature, and its ringing call.

Arthur: There’s a lone greenshank standing on the edge of the far bank; look at its long, greenish legs.

Beatrice: I see it! The greenshank looks so much taller and more elegant than the other sandpipers nearby.

Arthur: It has a very slightly upturned bill, which helps distinguish the greenshank from its close relative, the redshank.

Beatrice: Listen! Was that the greenshank making that loud, three-note whistling call as it took flight?

Arthur: Yes, that "tew-tew-tew" sound is the classic alarm call of a greenshank when it’s startled.

Beatrice: I love the way the greenshank's white rump shows so clearly when it’s flying away from us.

Arthur: It’s a very wary bird; a greenshank will usually be the first one to fly away if it senses any movement.

Beatrice: That makes it quite a challenge to photograph, but the greenshank is definitely worth the effort.

Arthur: During the summer, the greenshank breeds in the marshy bogs of the far north, where it's very quiet.

Beatrice: It’s interesting how the greenshank prefers fresh water or brackish pools over the open sea coast.

Arthur: You're right; you'll often find a greenshank near inland lakes like this one during its migration route.

Beatrice: Let's hope the greenshank decides to land again so we can get a better look at its plumage.

Phrases Containing the Word Greenshank

The phrases below show how the word greenshank is used to describe elegant waders, long legs, and their sharp, ringing calls in wetlands and coastal areas.

Common greenshank

A well-known greenshank species.

The common greenshank strode confidently through shallow water on long greenish legs.

Greenshank wading in water

A greenshank hunting in wetlands.

The greenshank wading in water paused often to watch for movement.

Greenshank calling loudly

A greenshank vocalizing strongly.

The greenshank calling loudly echoed across the marsh.

Greenshank feeding actively

A greenshank searching for prey.

The greenshank feeding actively chased small fish through shallow pools.

Greenshank behavior

The typical actions of greenshanks.

Greenshank behavior is alert, energetic, and highly vocal.

Greenshank in coastal wetlands

A greenshank living near the sea.

A greenshank in coastal wetlands fed along muddy channels.

Greenshank silhouette

The outline of a greenshank.

The greenshank silhouette showed long legs and a slightly upturned bill.

Greenshank in early morning

A greenshank active at dawn.

The greenshank in early morning light moved steadily through misty water.

Greenshank near marsh edges

A greenshank close to vegetation.

A greenshank near marsh edges stayed alert for predators.

Greenshank chasing prey

A greenshank pursuing food.

The greenshank chasing prey splashed through shallow water.

Greenshank flock

A group of greenshanks together.

A greenshank flock gathered briefly before taking flight.

Greenshank feeding at low tide

A greenshank hunting when water recedes.

The greenshank feeding at low tide explored exposed mud.

Greenshank resting quietly

A greenshank pausing activity.

The greenshank resting quietly stood on one leg.

Greenshank pair

Two greenshanks together.

A greenshank pair fed close together along the shoreline.

Greenshank across tidal flats

A greenshank seen at a distance.

A greenshank across tidal flats moved with long, confident strides.

Greenshank watching carefully

A greenshank staying alert.

The greenshank watching carefully froze at sudden movement.

Greenshank in breeding season

A greenshank active while nesting.

Greenshank in breeding season became especially vocal.

Greenshank feeding quietly

A greenshank eating calmly.

The greenshank feeding quietly focused on small fish.

Greenshank near shallow pools

A greenshank using calm water.

A greenshank near shallow pools hunted methodically.

Familiar greenshank

A greenshank often seen in the same place.

The familiar greenshank returned each year to the same wetland.

Words Rhyme with greenshank

bank

blank

crank

drank

frank

hank

lank

plank

rank

sank

tank

thank

yank

clank

flank

spank

swank

prank

shrank

outrank

databank

sandbank

riverbank

think tank

redshank

lean shank

mean bank

keen tank

seen plank

green bank

POS: Noun Category: Birds