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Green Sandpiper

Tringa ochropus

The green sandpiper thrives near ponds in forests. Photo Aaro Toivio.

General information. The green sandpiper can mainly be found in southern parts of Finland but can also be found nesting as far as the northern coniferous forest tree-line. The species lives in woodland areas but population sizes are generally small.

  • Length 23 cm
  • Nests in trees, often in old thrush nests
  • Winters in western and southern Europe and in Africa
  • Feeds on water insects and their larvae, conches, worms, shoots and buds

Habitat. The green sandpiper nests in forests divided by moorlands, bogs and small lakes. However, its commonly preferred habitat is in lowland marshes in spruce or mixed-type forests, creeks and small, paludified forest lakes.

Distribution in Vaasa. Observations indicating nesting was recorded in 122 survey blocks in Vaasa. The species thrives both in forest areas and also in the archipelago. It is entirely absent from the city centre and other densely built up areas.