The common greenshank is a large, rather heavily built wader. When not breeding, it is mainly grey-brown above and pale below. The head and neck are flecked with dark grey. The bill is dark to green-grey and is long with a slight upward curve. There is a narrow white eye ring and the long legs are yellowish-green. In flight, the greenshank has a dark outer-wing and an obvious white rump and back. When breeding, there are bold black chevrons on the chest and the upper body is heavily streaked and marked. They are rarely seen in groups but in twos or individually. Young birds are similar to non-breeding adults, but with browner upperparts.