Identification
Rare and declining Asian shorebird. Similar to Common Greenshank, with a burlier, more bull-headed appearance, shorter legs, and thicker bill. Breeding adult mostly gray above, white below, with densely spotted breast and upper sides. Nonbreeding adult pearly gray above and snowy white below. Bicolored bill is olive-green at the base, darkening towards the tip. Call is distinctive, usually a single nasal note, instead of the mellow “tu-tu-tu!” of Common Greenshank. Breeds in coastal marsh and sparse wet forests; winters on mudflats, coastal wetlands, aquaculture ponds, and paddies.