The Common Greenshank is a large, somewhat robust wader. Outside of the breeding season, it is primarily gray-brown on the back and pale underneath. The head and neck are speckled with dark gray, and the bill is long, slightly curved upwards, and colored dark green-gray. It has a narrow white eye ring and yellowish-green legs. In flight, the Greenshank shows a dark outer wing with a prominent white rump and back. During the breeding season, it displays bold black chevrons on its chest and heavily streaked markings on the upper body. Commonly seen alone or in pairs rather than in groups, young birds resemble non-breeding adults but have browner upperparts.