Totanus

Totanus is a genus of wading birds in the family Scolopacidae, commonly referred to as redshanks. The genus and its exact species composition have been reshaped by modern taxonomy; several species once placed in Totanus have been reassigned to other genera such as Tringa, and some authorities treat Totanus as a subgenus depending on the system used. The best-known member historically associated with the name is the common redshank (Totanus totanus).

Description and identification

Totanus waders are medium-sized shorebirds with long legs and a medium-length bill. They typically show brown or grey upperparts with fine streaking and pale or rufous underparts that may acquire a warmer wash in breeding plumage. Leg color varies among species and seasons, but bright leg coloration is a notable field mark for some redshank forms during the breeding season.

Habitat and range

They inhabit mudflats, estuaries, and freshwater wetlands across Eurasia and Africa, with migratory species traveling between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas. Some populations are resident or only partially migratory.

Behavior and breeding

Totanus species forage by probing mud and shallow water for invertebrates, crustaceans, and small molluscs. They are generally most active during dawn and dusk. Breeding sites are typically on the ground near water, with cup-shaped nests built from vegetation. Clutch size is usually three to four eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and tending of the young.

Conservation

Population status varies by species, but many Totanus taxa are assessed as of least concern. Wetland loss and disturbance threaten some populations, making habitat protection important for long-term viability.

Taxonomy notes

The genus is closely related to other Tringini and has been reshaped by molecular studies, reflecting ongoing revisions in the relationships among species formerly placed in Totanus.