312 



JBBITiSH BIBDS 



At all times the redshank is a vigilant and clamorous bird, and 

 as the meaning of its ringing alarm-note is understood by all wadera 

 and waterfowl, it is heartily detested by the gunners on the sea- 

 coast. 



Greenshank. 

 Totanus canescens. 



Fig. 106. — Greenshank. ^ natural size. 



Head and neck greyish white streaked with blackish brown ; 

 mantle and secondaries nearly black ; rump and tail-feathers white, 

 the latter mottled and barred with dusky brown ; under parts white, 

 streaked and spotted with ash-brown ; legs and feet olive-green. 

 Length, fourteen inches. In the winter plumage the upper parts 

 are greyer and the under parts pure white. 



The greenshank is an annual visitor during the spring and autumn 

 migrations to the coasts and inland waters of Great Britain and 

 Ireland ; but it comes in smaU numbers. It has long been known 

 that a number of pairs remain annually to breed in Scotland, and, 

 according to Mr. Harvie-Brown, its breeding-range is extending in 

 that country. MacgiUi-vrray wrote of this species : * Its habits are 

 very similar to those of the redshank, with which it associates in 

 autumn. It is extremely shy and vigilant. . . . Many individuals 



