Spotted Redshank

The spotted redshank is an elegant wader with long, dark red legs. In breeding plumage, it is entirely black with small white spots — hence its French name « arlequin ». In winter, it turns pale grey above and white below, and can then be confused with the common redshank. Its fine, long, slightly downcurved bill is distinctive. An uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor in the Vendée marshes.