UK Wildlife

Green Sandpiper Woodland Stream Migrant

The green sandpiper is a wader that breeds in boreal forest in northern Europe, nesting in old thrush nests in trees, and winters in small numbers on UK freshwater habitats.

Key Facts

Green sandpiper is unique among UK waders in nesting in old bird nests in trees
Small numbers winter in UK, particularly at freshwater margins and water treatment works
Flushes with a distinctive towering flight showing brilliant white rump
Breeds in Scandinavia and Russia in boreal forest with wet clearings
One of the first returning waders, often appearing at UK wetlands from June onwards

Welfare Considerations

Green sandpiper depend on undisturbed freshwater margins with muddy edges. Water treatment works have become important wintering habitat. Maintaining water quality and undisturbed marginal habitats at key sites supports these birds.

What You Can Do

Support freshwater habitat conservation including at water treatment works
Record green sandpiper through BTO Birdtrack to track wintering distribution
Maintain access buffers around freshwater margins to avoid disturbing wintering waders