redshank

Short definition: The word redshank refers to a wading bird with long red legs and a straight bill, commonly found in wetlands and coastal areas, known for its alert behavior, loud calls, and quick movements while foraging.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word redshank? The word redshank is mainly used in birdwatching, wildlife studies, and nature writing. It refers to a familiar shorebird known for its bright red legs and loud ringing call. You will hear it in discussions about wetlands, rivers, marshes, and coastal mudflats, especially in Europe and Asia. 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.

Forms: redshank, redshanks
Related: shorebird n., wader n., sandpiper n.
Syllable: red-shank

1. (Noun) A medium sized shorebird with bright red legs and a slender bill often seen wading in shallow water.

   A redshank is a common migratory wading bird easily recognized by its vivid red legs slim body and straight bill, typically found in wetlands rivers estuaries and coastal mudflats where it feeds on insects worms and small aquatic animals.

   The redshank walked briskly along the edge of the marsh its bright red legs standing out clearly against the muddy water.
   Birdwatchers quickly identified the redshank as it flew past calling loudly above the wetland.
   During migration redshanks often gather in large numbers on tidal flats to rest and feed.

   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

2. (Noun) A shorebird known for its loud clear calls and alert defensive behavior.

   Redshanks are also known for their sharp ringing calls and vigilant behavior, often calling repeatedly when disturbed and acting as warning birds in open wetland environments.

   The loud repeated call of a redshank echoed across the wetland as people approached the nesting area.
   Its constant calling made the redshank easy to locate even before it came into view.
   Researchers note that redshanks often react quickly to potential threats in open habitats.

   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