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.