Robins and song sparrows are still nesting but shorebird migration has already begun. Lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) have already arrived in western Pennsylvania and will be followed soon by their look-alike cousins, the greater yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca).
How do you identify these similar birds?
First, they’re different from other shorebirds. Though their plumage may confuse you, these are tall long-billed birds with uniquely bright long yellow legs. Both of them will wade and swim in deep water. (The solitary sandpiper, also a Tringa, is shorter with greenish legs.)
And they’re different from each other. If a lesser and greater yellowlegs are in the same pond they’re easy to distinguish by size — greater is bigger than lesser — but you’re not usually that lucky. Here are some additional clues:
| Character | Lesser | Greater |
| Bills | The bill is only as long as its head. Measure the underside from the chin. | Bill is longer than its head front-to-back. |
| Call | Tu …or… Tu-Tu (1 or 2 Tu’s) | Tu-Tu-Tu (3 or 4 Tu’s in a row) This bird is noisy! Will give a single Tu over and over when agitated. The way to remember greater vs lesser: 3 Tus are greater than 1. |
| Listen | Sound of the Lesser yellowlegs | Sound of the Greater yellowlegs |
| Body size | Dainty, slender, weighs 2.8 oz | Substantial, a bit bulky, weighs 6 oz |
| Behavior | Dainty. Picks at surface or under water. Runs sometimes. | When feeding appears angry, aggressive(*). Runs with long strides. Chases fish. Almost like a reddish egret but without the wing-dance steps. |
| Solo? | Hangs out with other birds | Tends to be solo or with other waders |
(*) descriptions from Pete Dunne’s Essential Field Guide Companion.
Using the information above can you tell who’s who in the video? Behavior is a good clue even when there’s only one bird.
You’ll find these birds at wetlands, ponds, quiet rivers and lakes.
If you’re not sure who’s who you can always call them “yellowlegs.”
(photos by Robert “Bobby” Greene, Jr. video by Mark Vance on YouTube)
Kate,
I love how you imbed the bird sounds with the posts. It’s very helpful and fun!
Thank you
I love how much we learn from you. I am always excited to come here and find out what I will find out next! Thank you so much!
The video was taken at Myakka River State Park, in Sarasota, FL. I was there in May & it is an awesome place to bird! I saw 5 life birds & many alligators.