Marsh sandpiper

Introduction: Marsh sandpipers (Tringa stagnatilis) inhabit wetlands and coastal lagoons as well as man-made and natural pans. They often roost with other sandpipers and will sometimes leave the water to defecate on dry land. Stagnatilis is the Latin word for 'found in pools and marshes'.

Distribution: Fairly widespread in Namibia with a range that includes Etosha National Park, Caprivi Strip, Rundu and Tsumkwe in the north, Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and some other scattered population in the south.

Diet: Forages in shallow water for insects, small molluscs and crustaceans.

Description: Medium wader with distinct plumage. Often confused with the larger common greenshank.

Breeding: Marsh sandpipers breed out of Namibia.

Size: 26cm.

Weight: 70g.

Wingspan: 45cm.