Purple Sandpiper Vs Redshank: Key Differences Explained

If you’ve ever taken a stroll along the UK’s windswept coastlines or peaceful estuaries, you might have spotted some fascinating wading birds. Two species that often catch the eye of both seasoned birdwatchers and casual observers are the Purple Sandpiper and the Redshank. 

While they might seem similar at first glance, these birds have their own unique quirks and characteristics that make them stand out from the crowd. 

Did you know that Purple Sandpipers are incredibly loyal to their wintering grounds, often returning to the exact same stretch of coast year after year? Or that large numbers of Redshanks migrate from Iceland to the UK to spend their winters, adding a splash of colour to our coasts with their bright red legs? 

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between these birds, from their looks and habitats to their calls and nesting habits, to help you spot them in the wild with ease.

Key Takeaways

• Purple Sandpipers are stockier, while Redshanks are slender and taller.
• Redshanks have distinctive bright red legs, while Purple Sandpipers have orange legs.
• Purple Sandpipers prefer rocky coastlines, while Redshanks are more commonly found in mudflats and saltmarshes.
• Redshanks are more vocal, with a loud and alerting call, compared to the softer calls of Purple Sandpipers.
• Purple Sandpipers are typically winter visitors to the UK, while Redshanks can be seen year-round.
• Both species face conservation challenges and are classified under the UK Birds of Conservation Concern.

What Is The Difference Between A Purple Sandpiper And A Redshank?

While both Purple Sandpipers and Redshanks are wading birds found along the UK’s coasts, they differ significantly in appearance, habitat preferences, and behaviours. Let’s explore these differences in detail.

Visual Differences

The most striking visual difference between Purple Sandpipers and Redshanks is their overall appearance and coloration.

Purple Sandpipers are robust, medium-sized waders with a length of about 20 to 22 cm. They have a dark upper body contrasting with lighter underparts. In winter, their plumage takes on a mix of brown, grey, and subtle purple tones. Their most distinctive features are a down-curved beak and bright orange legs. During flight, a notable white wing-stripe becomes visible.

Redshanks, on the other hand, are slightly larger, measuring about 28 cm in length. They are immediately recognisable by their bright orange-red legs, which give them their name. Redshanks have brownish, speckled backs and wings, with a paler belly. They possess medium-length orange-coloured bills, adding to their colourful appearance.

These visual distinctions make it relatively easy to tell these two species apart, even from a distance.

Differences In Habitat

Habitat preferences provide another key difference between Purple Sandpipers and Redshanks.

Purple Sandpipers are primarily winter visitors to the UK, preferring rocky coastlines. Significant numbers can be found in Orkney, Shetland, and along Scotland’s east coast. They are masters at staying balanced on slippery, seaweed-covered rocks, which forms an integral part of their preferred habitat.

Redshanks, conversely, have a broader habitat range. They can be found in mudflats, mires, marshes, and saltmarshes. These birds are commonly seen in Scotland and Northern England, and during winter, they migrate in large numbers to estuaries and coastal wetlands. 

Unlike Purple Sandpipers, Redshanks can be seen year-round in the UK, with additional visitors arriving in winter.

Nests & Eggs

Breeding habits and nesting behaviours also differ between these two species.

Purple Sandpipers breed in the far north, including the Arctic tundra, with a few pairs nesting in secret locations in Scotland. As they are primarily winter visitors to the UK, their nesting behaviour is less commonly observed here. 

When they do nest, they typically lay a clutch of 3 to 4 olive eggs covered in brown spots.The nest itself is a simple scrape or depression in the ground which is often lined with leaves, sedges and feathers.

Redshanks, being present in the UK year-round, have more observable nesting behaviours. They often nest in salt marshes or wet grasslands, laying a clutch of 3 to 5 white eggs with brown marks. 

Redshanks also make a simple scrape nest which is lined with grass, moss and feathers.

Bird Calls

The vocalisations of Purple Sandpipers and Redshanks are quite distinct, adding another layer to their differences.

Purple Sandpipers are not particularly vocal birds. When they do vocalise, their calls are typically soft and low-pitched, blending seamlessly with the sounds of their coastal habitats. This subtle vocalisation aligns with their overall inconspicuous nature.

Redshanks, in stark contrast, are known for their loud and alerting calls. Their distinctive piping call can often be heard before the bird is seen, making them much more noticeable in their environment. This vocal nature plays a significant role in their behaviour, particularly during breeding seasons and when alerting others to potential threats.

Size & Weight

While both species are considered medium-sized waders, there are noticeable differences in their size and weight.

Purple Sandpipers are the smaller of the two, measuring 20 to 22 cm in length with a wingspan of 40 to 44 cm. They typically weigh between 60 to 75 g.

Redshanks are larger, with a length of 28 cm and a more impressive wingspan of 62 cm. They also weigh more, with males averaging around 110 g and females about 130 g.

This size difference is another factor that can help in distinguishing between the two species in the field.

SEE ALSO: Barnacle Goose Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements

Frequently Asked Questions