Resembles a large Marsh Sandpiper, but has a heavier, slightly upturned, black bill, usually with a grey or greenish base. Bar-tailed Godwit is larger, browner and heavier, and has relatively short legs and an upturned bill with a pinkish base. Common Greenshank may be distinguished from Greater Yellowlegs by its green (not orange-yellow) legs and by its flight pattern (white rump extending onto black).
Juvenile resembles adult but is darker above.
Coastal and freshwater wetlands.
A loud, rasping 'chew-chew-chew'.